Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

J&K turmoil

The turmoil in Jammu & Kashmir, following the allotment of 40 hectares of land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and its subsequent cancellation by the State government, is extremely unfortunate. The common Indian is perturbed by the politically incorrect moves by those in power for political and personal gains. Their inept handling of the issue has taken a heavy toll.

Over the years, the country has paid a heavy price to restore normality in Kashmir. Just when it appeared that our efforts were paying off, the Shrine Board issue has cropped up threatening to undo decades of efforts.

Nishant Bhardwaj,

New Delhi

The situation in J&K is worsening by the day and it is alarming. All political parties are responsible for the turmoil. Pursuit of political power has made them play with the lives of ordinary citizens. The controversy over the transfer of land to the SASB could have been handled with vision and wisdom. The situation has been exploited thoroughly by opportunists, fundamentalists and separatists.

Mohamed Zafrulla Khan,

Bangalore

The government and the entire political class have provided an opportunity to Pakistan to fish in the troubled waters of J&K. What a splendid show by the Indian government which is busy sewing up a nuclear deal. The Union Home Minister is perhaps the most clueless on how to resolve the Shrine Board row. J&K, which returned to normality and started attracting a large number of tourists after years, is now in a volatile state. The BJP, rudderless after the trust vote in Parliament, has got a golden opportunity to fan communal sentiments. As for the Prime Minister, is the nuclear deal the only issue that stirs him to act decisively?

S. Raman,

Haryana

The deteriorating situation in J&K is extremely worrisome. Leaders of various political parties seem to be more concerned about making political gains than resolving the dispute. No expeditious action has been taken yet in spite of discussions among leaders. Further delays in finding a solution will prove disastrous. And further loss of lives in the State will render Independence Day celebrations in other parts of the country meaningless.

M.A. Mohamed Sahul Hameed,

Vellore

The loss of lives in police firing during the march to Muzaffarabad across the LoC was unfortunate. One can understand the anxiety of the fruit-growers of Srinagar for whom the economic blockade posed a threat to livelihood. But can any government worth its name allow the people to cross the LoC whatever the provocation? It must be said that there is no reason in the opposition of the people of the Valley to the allotment of a piece of land to provide facilities for a pilgrimage. The people in both the Valley and Jammu should stop playing into the hands of politicians who are fanning communal feelings to derive political mileage.

J.M. Manchanda,

New Delhi

The nationwide chakka jam call by the VHP over the land issue is highly condemnable. With the general election round the corner, the Sangh Parivar is up to its game of flaring up the issue to polarise voters along communal lines.

Tauhid Nasir,

New Delhi

The protests bear testimony to the poor judgment of the PDP and the Centre’s failure to foresee the consequences of the cancellation of the land allotment to the SASB. A combination of needless provocations has driven the people of Jammu to the brink.

V.N. Ramachandran,

Boise

It is indeed sad to see our leaders playing politics over communal issues. The government should deal firmly with leaders belonging to both sides of the divide, who are instigating and fuelling the flames of unrest.

Davidson Jebaseelan,

Tiruchi

No immediate solution seems to be in sight for the burning Shrine Board issue. Killing protesters will do nothing to help. Unless a solution is found through negotiations, the issue will remain a bitter memory and will be a source of further confrontation and conflict.

K. Ravi,

Thiruvananthapuram

The protests which started when land was allotted to the SASB show no signs of abating. One wonders how a temporary allotment of land could have changed Kashmir’s demographic character. Lives have been lost, thanks to some elements which have created unnecessary fear and misunderstanding in the minds of the people.

Udita Agrawal,

New Delhi

It appears that our political leaders have transported Kashmir back to the militancy era of the 1990s, when everything was beyond the administration’s control. We eagerly await a solution to the Shrine Board issue.

Fuzail Ahmad,

Rajsamand

The Kashmir issue has been mishandled and mismanaged by both the Centre and the State government. Successive governments since 1947 are responsible for the plight of Kashmiris. Their indecisiveness has made the State bleed over the years. It is time the special constitutional status given to Kashmir was abolished. J&K cannot be taken away from India as long as the heart and soul of the Kashmiris are with India.

Baru Rajendra Prasad,

Hyderabad

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