Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

J&K crisis

This refers to the editorial “What next in J&K?” (Aug. 14). Communal violence has left the State shattered. Hitherto, Jammu & Kashmir was targeted from across the border. It was easier to isolate the enemy. Now, unfortunately, there is a divide within. One community is pitted against the other. Politicians, regardless of party affiliations, have created disaffection among the communities and are fishing in troubled waters.

B.H. Shanmukhappa,

Davanagere

Our politicians may not be good at anything else but they are adept at rabble rousing and creating unbridgeable divide among the people. They do so to achieve short-term political gains, even if it means great danger to our national cause. They achieved the objective of pitting the people of Jammu against those in the Kashmir Valley and vice-versa in a short period of a month or so.

The fire lit by a few short-sighted and self-seeking politicians has turned into a major conflagration that is threatening to spread far and wide, even beyond the borders of J&K. One can only hope and pray that saner counsel will prevail on the contending parties and that they will realise their grave folly of fomenting mass hysteria in a hyper-sensitive region.

Shahabuddin Nadeem,

Bangalore

It is unfortunate that vested interests are trying to cash in on the volatile political situation. Ad hoc decisions and knee-jerk reactions will, far from resolving the crisis, only add fuel to the fire. The Centre should tread cautiously and avert communal clashes in the State.

P.K. Varadarajan,

Chennai

The situation in J&K has escalated into a disaster, tearing apart the centuries-old communal harmony in the State. For years, the people of the State have welcomed Amarnath pilgrims with open arms, and continue to do so. What was it that suddenly prompted the government to allot land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board? The drama being enacted in J&K is nothing but vote-bank politics. The people should refrain from becoming victims of heinous propaganda by politicians.

Adil Hameed,

Srinagar

Our political leaders, who are only after votes and power, deal with an issue in a manner that suits their ends. They do not address the real problem. All political parties should strive to resolve the Shrine Board issue quickly and efficiently. Otherwise, they will only help to strengthen the separatist movement in the State.

P.A. Chandra Sekhar,

Nellore

As we celebrated Independence Day with zeal and patriotism on Friday, we could not but feel sad that even after 61 years of freedom, India has not been able to establish peace. The Shrine Board issue has widened the gap between Hindus and Muslims.

Celebrating independence is not just about hoisting the national flag and paying tributes to our martyrs. Real independence is about keeping the land of peace free from communal tensions. This would be a fitting tribute to the nation.

R.K. Shalini,

Tiruchi

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