Continuing unrest in Kashmir after the encounter killing of militant Burhan Wani is worrisome (Editorial, July 12). Unwarranted statements against India and the eulogising of the slain terrorist by Pakistan have only exposed its true colours. Our neighbour’s intention is only to fuel turmoil in the troubled Valley and continue the proxy war against India at every opportune moment. The Narendra Modi government has done well in reaching out to some political parties, including the Congress. Once the situation comes under control, the Centre should start working on the ground to check the vicious campaign against India and to wean away local youth from separatist elements.
Dr. D.V.G. Sankararao,Nellimarla, Andhra Pradesh
The volatile situation is yet another grim reminder of the failure of the PDP-BJP government in the State to address genuine grievances of the people. There is a desperate need to hold an all-party meet immediately. Everybody is aware that a sense of victimhood exists in Kashmir due to the lack of economic and social development and ineffective governance. An all-party team needs to visit the Valley and convey the message that all genuine grievances will be looked into. The greatest problem is rampant unemployment which results in the youth venting their anger and frustration. Given the sense of alienation among people, especially the youth, it calls for greater political engagement. The excessive use of force will only fuel resentment.
S.K. Khosla,Chandigarh
Pakistan’s attempts to fish in troubled waters is akin to challenging the legitimacy of the Indian state. There is clear and open defiance of the Indian Constitution by disgruntled elements. Why is the government silent? Local political parties seem to be hand in glove with separatist forces. Separatist leaders must be identified and held on charges of sedition and rebellion. A minority of radicalised individuals cannot hold an entire State to ransom.
Gaurav Singhal,Rewari, Haryana
The ebb and tide of protests in the Kashmir Valley has acquired a distinctive pattern over the years. Media narratives and political commentaries have tended to put the entire blame for popular discontent at the door of the Central government as if Kashmir’s political class had no responsibility in maintaining peace and order in the State.
The rest of India has every right to ask what Kashmir’s political elites have done with the thousands of crores of developmental funds pumped into the State by successive governments at the Centre. If those who are culturally and emotionally closer to the people cannot lend a healing touch, it is hard to believe that New Delhi can conjure up a magic bullet to dispel the deep sense of alienation among the people. The rest of India empathises with the aspirations of the Kashmiri youth to lead peaceful and prosperous lives. At the same time, peace cannot come at the price of national unity.
V.N. Mukundarajan,Thiruvananthapuram
While the security forces deserve a pat on the back for eliminating Burhan, the subsequent developments could have been handled more tactfully instead of creating the mess we now face. The ruling party has greater responsibility in assuaging the feelings of the aggrieved and in restoring peace. All political parties need to extend their support to the Central government.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,San Jose, California, U.S.
Burhan Wani and those involved in the Dhaka café stand-off are educated and from well-to-do families. So it is more to do with changing the mindset. The situation in Kashmir is similar to what it was in the 1990s, when terrorism was at its peak. The Central and State governments, the Hurriyat and all local representatives need to hold a meeting along with representatives of all other all-India parties and chalk out a strategy to restore peace in the Valley. The focus now must be on creating employment opportunities.
Bal Govind,Noida
There is no workable approach to solving the Kashmir issue. The PDP’s decision to release stone-pelters and withdraw cases against them was uncalled for. It is obvious that the State government and the Centre are not on the same page as far as governing the State is concerned. The violent incidents around Burhan’s funeral should leave no doubt that disenchantment is not localised.
C. Koshy John,Pune
