TAMIL
The Kashmir imbroglio
P. SUNDARESAN
KASHMIR: Chandran; Aazhi Pathippagam, 12, First Main Road, United India Colony, Kodambakkam, Chennai-600024. Rs. 195.
A PROFOUND book on the Kashmir imbroglio, rare of its kind in Tamil. One can stand in silent homage when the author refers to Sujatha as his mentor.
The book is well organised in terms of plot. With adequate background information on Kashmir’s multifaceted identity, ample space is devoted to the endless conflict between India and Pakistan over territorial claims right from Independence.
The very preface is proof positive of Chandran’s firm grasp of the subject. Right at the outset he lays bare the divergent factors that contribute to the bone of contention between the governments of India and Pakistan, the citizens of Kashmir, the Pandits standing in isolation, the Indian Army, Kashmir government and the political parties over there. Among the extremists, one group wants autonomy and another is for merger with Pakistan. Not swayed by the dissenting views, the author has relied on authentic circles.
The way a wide range of contentious issues like the genesis of terrorism in Kashmir, Kargil invasion, militants killing a large number of innocents, and violation of human rights is embraced marks the writer out of the common run.
As revenge leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of violence, the author is for a mature and sensible attitude with far-sighted statespersons from either side drafted for bridge-building.
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