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

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Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008
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Kashmir issue

The report “NSA crafted the Kashmir crackdown” (Aug. 26) shows just what is wrong with our approach to the Kashmir issue. When people protest peacefully, they are told their slogans are unacceptable. They are subjected to gunfire and curfew restrictions. The notion that “Islamists have taken control” is an excuse for every anti-democratic measure. The report quotes senior officials as saying the National Security Adviser told the police and administrators that the country’s “authority” in Jammu and Kashmir had diminished.

In a democracy, the state’s authority depends on the will of the people. That the state’s “authority” is gone in Kashmir, as it has been for many years, is no excuse for gunning down protesters. It simply means it is time we left Kashmir.

Shankar Gopalakrishnan,

New Delhi

Reports of escalating violence in J&K are disquieting. Although there is no escape from dealing with the separatist forces firmly, attempts should also be made to bring home to the agitators the need to enter into fruitful negotiations to find a lasting solution to the vexed issue.

T.R. Anandan,

Coimbatore

The ongoing turmoil in J&K is clearly due to the inept handling of the situation by the Centre as well as the State government. Thankfully, after the NSA’s visit to Srinagar, during which he is reported to have called for restoring order, the situation is limping back to normality.

One hopes the authorities will crack down on political parties and their leaders who, in the name of speaking for ordinary Kashmiris, are literally encouraging the separatist forces.

R. Unnikrishnan,

Kochi

The problem in the State has deteriorated further because of the provocative anti-India, pro-azadi campaigns by various groups. And the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre is still waiting to see how it can exploit the situation to its benefit in the coming election.

It is time the Centre took some bold steps, including the abrogation of Article 370. A systematic campaign is on in Jammu and Kashmir to divide Hindus and Muslims who have coexisted peacefully for years.

P. Venkatesh,

New Delhi

The communal flare-up in J&K and Orissa points to the growing intolerance in the country. The acts of a few anti-social elements tarnish the secular image of our country, which has accepted all major religions with an open mind for thousands of years.

Salin Thomas,

Kottayam

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Kashmir issue