The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Crisis in Kashmir

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Saturday, Jun 28, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Crisis in Kashmir

The ongoing protests in Jammu and Kashmir against the State government’s decision to assign 39.88 hectares of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board are against the violation of the Constitution, and the ecological consequences that will follow the move in the eco-fragile zone. They have nothing to do with religion. The situation would have been the same even if the land had been assigned to a Muslim organisation. Kashmiri people are not against the Amarnath yatra. They have, in fact, always welcomed the yatris with full hospitality and support. But some opportunistic politicians are deliberately communalising the issue and playing vote-bank politics. The people should not be misled by them.

Numana Bhat,

Srinagar

It appears that the communal forces in J&K have succeeded in their nefarious plans. As a Muslim, it hurts to see how sectarian forces have once again succeeded in portraying Muslims as intolerant and insensitive to the people of other religions. I agree with National Conference leader Omar Abdullah that the issue is not about pilgrimage but about land. By playing into the hands of iniquitous politicians, the protesters are further maligning and contorting the name of the religion that is founded on the values of tolerance and peace.

Shahnaz Mohamed Thahir,

Kochi

That no one has got to the root of the problem is more disturbing than the violence itself. Clearly the protesters are not worried about deforestation or other environmental concerns. By withdrawing the claim on the land transferred to SASB, will not the government undermine itself and play into the hands of the protesters? Isn’t taking care of tourists irrespective of their religion the responsibility of a secular government?

K. Natarajan,

Hyderabad

The protests in Kashmir are unwarranted. The government has proposed to construct only temporary shelters, that too only when the Amarnath yatra is on.

R. Ramachandran,

Chennai

It is not fair for the protesters to describe the efforts made to provide amenities to the Amarnath pilgrims as attempts to change the demographic character of the State. There are already enough constitutional provisions to ensure that the demography of J&K remains unchanged. The moderates should prevail upon the hardcore elements to give up their agitation.

K.N. Ramani,

Coimbatore Another communal riot is certainly not what the nation needs. All political parties should refrain from exploiting the volatile situation in Kashmir for their gains. It is important to hold talks to resolve the issue. Withdrawal of the land grant will only create more chaos.

A.S. Shyama,

Thiruvananthapuram

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