Strengthen Kashmir

Sir, - I agree with Dr. P.V. Indiresan's opinion that the Kashmir problem is a clash of civilisations and not one between Hinduism and Islam (`Handling Kashmir' Aug. 4). The solution proposed in the article, namely improving public administration in Kashmir is undoubtedly the right antidote for the malady of alienation, oppression and neglect. For, only an internally-strengthened Kashmir can successfully resist external aggression. Amid manipulative military and political powers from both sides, Kashmiris should not be rendered powerless.

Saraswathi B.T.,

Mysore

Sir, - The Agra summit fiasco should not deter us from efforts to ease tensions and improve relations with Pakistan, without giving up our basic stand on Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, the Government should understand that over the years we have yielded a lot of ground to Pakistan and its mercenaries by alienating the people in the State.

This resulted from gradual erosion of provisions for autonomy in the Instrument of Accession signed by the then Maharajah of Kashmir, allowing a large portion of the huge funds to the State Government for development to go into the pockets of the politicians and bureaucrats and last, but not the least, acquiescing in the blatant rigging of the Assembly elections in 1987 (which the National Conference would have won), which shocked the Kashmiri youth and gave militancy a boost.

Hence the main task of the Central and State Governments should be to regain the faith, confidence and goodwill of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by providing them employment, good education, health, housing and other basic needs and by empowering them more. This requires a thorough change in the attitudes, approach, policies and way of functioning of politicians and bureaucrats.

A. Subramaniam,

Coimbatore

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