Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

J&K situation

Besides claiming precious lives, the violence in Jammu & Kashmir over the issue of land transfer to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has affected the State’s economy. J&K, which depends on tourism and horticulture for revenue, has seen a decline in tourist inflow. First it was Kashmir and now it is Jammu that has been affected. Trucks full of fruits are stranded in Kashmir and trucks loaded with diesel, petrol, and other essential items are held up in Jammu. We have not seen such a communal divide in the State before.

Bhanu Pratap Singh Jamwal,

Jammu

J&K has been a troubled region since independence. The order allotting forest land to the SASB and its subsequent reversal have worsened the chances of ushering in harmony, which has eluded the region.

There is need to curb communalism of both types and create an atmosphere in which Kashmiri Pundits can go back to the State. It is also important to win over the hearts and minds of the Kashmiris and ensure that the communal elements are isolated.

Ahamed Kabeer,

Dubai

The Shrine Board row is not a bolt from the blue. It escalated because of the careless and irresponsible manner in which the authorities handled it. The already fragile law and order situation in the Valley was unnecessarily disturbed by the allotment of land to the Board and its subsequent revocation, fomenting enmity between the two communities. Urgent and effective steps should be taken before the matter goes out of control. All the leaders should make a collective effort to settle the issue amicably.

C. Petson Peter,

Kochi

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Bindra makes history
Uncertain outlook for long-term
Towards evolving a collective coastal community
China’s Xinjiang problem
In Bangladesh, a ‘dress rehearsal’ for national polls
A ‘witness tree’ toppled
Corrections and clarifications
Historic
Caucasus crisis
J&K situation

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu