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

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Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Kashmir vote

The editorial “Mandate for secular democracy” (Dec. 29) has echoed the views of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who, by exercising their franchise in the Assembly elections in large numbers, dealt a lethal blow to secessionists and sent the message that India stands united even in turbulent times. The National Conference and the Congress now have a major role to play in the State devastated by militancy over the years.

S. Irudaya Selvaraj,

Chennai

The Kashmir verdict is an opportunity for the NC and the Congress to fulfil the people’s aspirations and wean them away from separatist and fundamentalist groups. If they rise to the need of the hour, J&K can be transformed into an abode of peace and unity.

J. Srinivasan,

Dindigul

Whichever combination forms the government, it should carry forward development activities. Political parties should stop playing into the hands of separatists, wittingly or unwittingly. This watershed election should usher in a new beginning for the long-suffering people of the State.

R. Unni Krishnan,

Kochi

The election is no doubt a reiteration of Kashmiris’ faith in democracy. But they deserve special praise for not being cowed down by threats. It was clear from media reports that many senior citizens who had never voted before exercised their franchise this time. Once again, it has been proved that terrorism and communalism cannot last long.

Om Pratap Singh,

New Delhi

The J&K Assembly election results mark the triumph of democracy in India. The separatists have been totally sidelined. They would do well to honourably wind up their operations. A great responsibility rests on the new coalition government. Its first task should be to restore law and order in the State and make tourism safer. If the new dispensation delays action on the ground, it will lose the sympathy of the voters.

As for the Centre, a great opportunity knocks at its door. The democratic choice of the people could form the basis of fresh discussions for a permanent settlement of the Kashmir issue. Pakistan can no longer claim that the wishes of the people of J&K have not been ascertained.

K.P.R. Iyer,

Bangalore

The people of J&K have spoken unambiguously through the ballot despite the call for poll boycott by secessionist groups. The message is clear: popular will cannot be subjugated by guns.

The people have achieved a silent revolution. It is now for their representatives in the State and the Centre to work in unison to bring all sections, including militants, into the democratic mainstream.

Chandran Dharmalingam,

The Nilgiris

The people of J&K have rejected the votaries of secession. It is now the turn and responsibility of the government to win back their trust through good governance and corruption-free administration.

The Centre, too, should provide the required assistance to the State for its progress and development in the larger interests of democracy.

Satwant Kaur,

Mahilpur

The Election Commission deserves to be congratulated on proving to the world that India is one of the best democratic countries, and for establishing that the Kashmiris do not want the separatists to have any say on their future.

K.R.A. Narasiah,

Chennai

For the sake of the nation, the BJP, the NC and the Congress should join hands to bring J&K back into the national mainstream. This will be a fitting tribute to all those who have lost their lives since the rise of militancy in the State.

It will also send the right signal to the world about our resolve to fight the forces of cross-border terrorism and militancy.

S.A. Srinivasa Sarma,

Hyderabad

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