The popular uprising in south Kashmir triggered by the killing of Burhan Wani is a serious cause for concern (“Fresh violence in J&K, 5 more dead,” July 11). The familiar scenes of stone-pelting locals clashing with gun-toting security personnel are now being re-enacted at a terrible cost to human life. With even areas that were considered peaceful rising up in revolt and people risking their lives by entering security installations, events seem to have taken a turn for the worse.
It is extremely unfortunate that the security forces are following the Israeli model of crowd control by using pellet guns. It needs reiteration that the Kashmir problem is not amenable to a military solution. Given the sense of alienation among people, it calls for greater political engagement. It is a welcome move that the Home Ministry has counselled the security forces to avoid the use of force against the protesting local residents.
G. David Milton,Maruthancode
It is disheartening that once every few months, a new spate of violence hits the Kashmir Valley. The fact that even after so many years, the people of Kashmir are still in agitation mode is indicative of the fact that the government’s policy has not succeeded in its long-term objective of addressing the common Kashmiri’s concerns. The solution cannot be devised through better policing or stronger security apparatus alone; it needs better economic opportunities and greater political will in engaging with all parties.
Gowtham A.R.,Coimbatore
