The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Kashmir issue

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Saturday, Aug 30, 2008
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Kashmir issue

This refers to the editorial “Collapse of governance” (Aug. 29). Successive governments at the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir have been grappling with the Kashmir problem, a legacy of Partition, for over six decades with no permanent solution in sight. But in recent months, the State has drifted into a full-fledged crisis as a result of the collapse of governance. Unfortunately, the Manmohan Singh government still thinks that coercive state power can tackle the crisis. It is time it employed all the political skills it can muster to face the problem head on. As a first step, it should prevent further alienation of the people of Kashmir.

K. Vijayakumar,

Ashburn, Virginia

The editorial was topical and incisive. The government has not used its democratic and secular tools effectively in handling the Kashmir issue. We have to invoke our constitutional obligations, which stand for democracy and secularism, to restore normality in J&K. The hoisting of Pakistani flags and the chanting of pro-Pakistan slogans are unacceptable. Our Constitution not only guarantees fundamental rights, but also prescribes fundamental duties to keep our system intact.

Prem Nizar Hameed,

Riyadh

The situation in J&K shows what can happen when political leadership lacks moral authority and credibility. The only way to solve the problem in the State is to approach the people with love, understanding and compassion, not curfew and bullets. Violence by the government is far worse than the violence perpetrated by terrorists and separatists.

N.S. Venkataraman,

Chennai

The politics of religion and hate campaigns has assumed disturbing proportions both in the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region since the allotment of land to the Shrine Board.

The UPA government’s soft policy and the dangerous divide between Hindus and Muslims have put at stake the emotional and cultural integrity of India. The government should defuse the crisis, restore normality and keep Kashmir together.

K.S. Thampi,

Chennai

Any division of Kashmir will have a drastic effect on India’s strategic position. It will also set a bad precedent. Separatist forces will be emboldened to press their demands through violence.

New Delhi should explore every possible option to ensure that Kashmir exists in peace as an integral part of India.

N. Naresh,

Bangalore

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Kashmir issue