Mehbooba Mufti has become the byword for empathy and solace, mainly in south Kashmir, on account of her gusto and ability to take on the administration whenever there are excesses. She has an image of being a leader in step with the elected representatives of the Jammu region. Now that she has become the Chief Minister (April 5), she must focus all her energy in being an able chief, with her priorities being school education and inviting industry to Kashmir. She also requires political, moral and diplomatic support to help her succeed against the odds.
Vinod C. Dixit,
Ahmedabad
One hopes that Ms. Mufti’s chief ministership will be a challenge to fundamentalists and misogynists who cannot countenance a woman becoming the head of government. After playing hardball in renegotiating the terms of the agenda of alliance with the BJP, Ms. Mufti should ensure that the sensitive border State does not drift.
Padmini Raghavendra,
Secunderabad
