Reunification

Justice Markandey Katju has done well to point out that the only solution to the Kashmir problem is reunification of India and Pakistan (Dec. 9). A country united by culture and history cannot be broken by political or religious forces. The people of India and Pakistan love one another and long for unification. It is the political system that divides them.

A United India will not only bring peace to the subcontinent, including Kashmir, but will also emerge as a strong country politically and militarily. In fact, Bangladesh should also merge into this entity, as it formed part of India before 1947.

R. Hariharasubramanian,

Chennai

Although Pakistan was created on the basis of religion, it was not meant to be theocratic. Its creation was justified on the basis of the two-nation theory.

The only objective behind the demand for Pakistan was economic and social uplift of Muslims. It was not to create a hate-filled divide between Muslims and Hindus. Unfortunately, things did not work that way. Pakistan became a much radicalised society. So did Kashmir, from where Hindus had to leave seeking security and safety. The idea that Pakistan and India can reunite, although appealing, is not realistic. Much water has flowed under the bridge since 1947.

H.N. Ramakrishna,

Bangalore