The article (“ >A Scotland on Kashmir ,” Oct. 6) left me surprised as it was bereft of any basic rationale. How can Kashmiris living in Scotland vote if there is a plebiscite in Kashmir? If he is making a pitch for a plebiscite in Kashmir, he must remember that it has many angles. The U.N. Resolution No 47 on Kashmir dates back to 1948. Though it was India which went to the UN Security Council for a complete withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the State, Pakistan did not abide by the UN resolution in creating conditions set forth in the resolution. The new generation in India hardly knows that Pakistan constantly underplays the precondition in the resolution that Pakistan is to withdraw all its forces from Kashmir ahead of any plebiscite. In any case, the UN Resolution has rendered itself irrelevant as the ground situation has changed over 66 years. Finally, the statements about symbols and undergarments was in bad taste.
N.V. Nair,
Kochi
The question we should be asking ourselves is whether Jammu and Kashmir is really a part of India. Merely depicting the map of India with a complete outline of Jammu and Kashmir does not change the ground reality. The way Kashmiris have been left to fend for themselves after the recent floods is an example of our sheer neglect of the region.
Rahul Yadav,
Tiruchi
I agree with the writer that Kashmiris should have a say in their future, thought his arguments in favour of this are not so convincing. First, Scotland and Quebec are different economically, politically, culturally, historically and demographically when compared with Kashmir. They do not face insurgency of any kind, nor is any part of their territory under foreign control. In development terms, both regions have among the highest HDI in the world. Hence the argument of comparison with these regions doesn’t stand scrutiny. Second, the “parade” and other ways to celebrate our culture and nationalism can hardly be counted as jingoism. As a relatively young nation, we are undergoing consolidation. We need time to build and maintain the feeling of brotherhood. Finally, how many of us would like to see something that we hold in such high regard being kicked around in a football field or being worn as underwear?
Ashish Abhishek Gautam,
Ghaziabad
Although I partly agree with the view of there being an excessive reverence for national symbols, it must be remembered that it is these symbols that bring a “common nationality” in India. A referendum in Kashmir will only trigger a rush for more referendums across India. Instead, the government should push for development in Jammu and Kashmir and work towards integrating the people with the rest of India.
Ayushman Saini,
Greater Noida
