The dawn of hope

Sir, - At last hope seems to be dawning in Kashmir. The Centre's preparation for the visit of the Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, is commendable. If over the last two decades the Centre's policy had alienated political parties, thereby allowing terrorism to take root, it added insult to injury through deployment of security forces in what could have been viewed basically as political activism in a beleaguered State.

However, the proposals heralding Gen. Musharraf's visit (articulating a need for a rethink on the LoC, the DGMO's proposed visit to Pakistan, easing travel restrictions between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar, etc.) are measures to ring in peace and are proof of genuine intent to ``walk the high road to peace'' as Mr. Vajpayee said. Neighbourhood diplomacy seems to have come of age.

Mushtaqh Ali,

Chennai

Sir, - Gen. Musharraf is not unknown for making tall claims, but this time he has outdone himself. He has been quoted as saying that he was posted at altitudes of about 30,000 feet. (`Vague memories of Delhi home,' July 10.) Gen. Musharraf must be aware that the highest point on earth, Mount Everest, stands at 29,028 feet. While in the past the Pakistani Army has been sighted at unusual locations, I am not sure if the summit of Everest is among them.

Vikram Vasu,

Chennai

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