The article, “ >A Scotland on Kashmir ” (Oct. 6), seems to have been written in haste without lending due credence and weightage to the facts and circumstances relating to the Kashmir issue. Let there be no doubt that national identity and national integration can never be compromised and significantly supersede religious identity. While we need to address the genuine aspirations of Kashmiris within the ambit of our sovereignty and interests, we cannot remain mere spectators to the subversive activities of militants and intrusion by Pakistan. Kashmiris should also be more forthcoming in integrating themselves with mainstream India. Continuing to alienate themselves and toeing the line of Pakistan is unfortunate.
R. Ramanathan,
Coimbatore
The article was an audacious one, drawing a thin line between an Indian’s chauvinism and his love for his country. We Indians do take a lot of pride in being called Indians but terming it as collective insecurity is unacceptable.
Praneet Kumar,
Ranchi
Pseudo-patriotic notions of nationalism based on our collective insecurity and anxiety led J. Krishnamurti to declare that “nationalism is a disease, and it can never bring about world unity. We cannot attain health through disease; we must first free ourselves from the disease.” There is no denying that poverty in India and Pakistan is shocking. Funds which can uplift the poor are diverted towards strengthening our defence-preparedness on account of never-ending hostility. It is possible to solve the Kashmir problem if we approach it with an open mind and without getting bogged down by rhetoric such as “Kashmir is an irrevocable part of India.” There is nothing wrong in involving neutral international observers and representatives of the UN in those discussions. A right and just solution in tune with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris will naturally emerge from those discussions.
S.P. Asokan,
Chennai
The Kashmiri people are a part of India. As they have the same individual and private liberties as those in the rest of India, why do we need to talk about the need for a referendum? The average Kashmiri does not really want a referendum but yearns for good educational institutions, employment, infrastructure and comprehensive health services.
Anand Kumar Singh,
Chitrakoot, Rajasthan
The issue of Kashmir is more than just about preserving the territorial integrity of the nation. Much of what has happened is because of political insincerity. The idea of a referendum, though, is thought-provoking, especially at a time when the Valley is experiencing great trauma.
Kanikka Sersia,
New Delhi
