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

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Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Kashmir vote

Long queues of voters, braving a harsh weather and separatist threats, have proved that democratic polity is here to stay in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference president Omar Abdullah is all set to form a participatory government with the Congress.

If Mr. Abdullah manages to rope in the BJP, which has gained unprecedented strength in the Jammu region, it would help bring back the alienated Hindu pundits to the mainstream.

Ushadevi Suddapalli and S.B. Rao,

Muscat

It was heartening that the J&K elections passed off peacefully and had a high voter turnout compared to 2002. But we should not forget that just a few months ago the State stood deeply divided during the Amarnath shrine board land issue. The problem is yet to be fixed and we must dream of a future where people rise above communal considerations and vote for the person best suited for the job. There must be a day when the BJP can field a Hindu candidate against a Muslim candidate of the PDP in the Kashmir Valley and manage to win. There must be a day when a Muslim candidate from the National Conference defeats a Hindu candidate of the BJP in Jammu. Only then can we boast the triumph of a secular democracy.

Krishna Prasad,

Chennai

The results bear testimony to the victory of democracy and have vindicated the people’s wishes against the separatist forces. The National Conference-Congress combine now has the important agenda of making sure that progressive steps are taken to see that a settlement is reached within the framework of the Constitution. That will be the right way to honour Kashmir’s mandate for peace.

People in the terror and strife-torn Valley have finally taken a decision for their greater good. They have also set an example to other States.

Vani Venkat,

Lucknow

The election results are a matter of great relief in the context of the current India-Pakistan stand-off and continued violence sponsored by the separatist outfits. In the present situation, which party forms the government is of much less importance. The only point of relevance is whether the new government will be able to resist the onslaughts of the separatists and provide a stable government and establish peace.

T.R. Anandan,

Coimbatore

Whichever coalition is formed, it is the responsibility of the new government to understand the genuine needs of the electorate, who have given such a verdict, reposing their faith in democracy despite militants’ threats. While the State government has to provide good governance, the Congress and the BJP, the main stream national parties, and the Central government should also provide the required financial and infrastructural support to the State, whenever terrorism erupts again across the borders and within the State. The J&K voters have demonstrated through the electoral process that they are now more concerned about peace and the basic necessities of life. Unfortunately, it is only the so-called communal divide among the electorate which is wrongly projected by a section of the media and some politicians with vested interests.

T. Ramaswamy,

Chennai

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