Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Victory of ballot

Sir, — The ballot has scored over the bullet in Jammu and Kashmir if the high voter turnout in the first phase of the Assembly polls is any indication. The people of Kashmir are fed up with terrorism. The polling percentage reflects their disillusionment, apart from their rejection of terrorism. This is an opportune time for the separatists to rethink if their interests would be secure with democratic India or with an auto-theocratic neighbour. The Government should seize the opportunity and work for ending the alienation of the people of Kashmir through political and development processes.

Raghubir Singh,

Pune

* * *

Sir, — The credit for the successful conduct of the first phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir goes to the Centre and the people. This has not come without a heavy price that India had to pay through the lives of thousands of people in the Valley and that of Army personnel. It is in the backdrop of this violence and yearning for peace that made the people vote, reposing faith in democracy and the Government. Now it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that this faith, the expectations and emotions are respected.

Krishna R. Patel,

New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — It is a matter of great appreciation that the Chief Election Commissioner has conducted the first phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir in a free and fair manner with 44 per cent turnout, surpassing all normal expectations, shattering the negative forecasts of prophets of doom. Elections are taking place in spite of the obstacle of continuous raining of bullets by hordes of militants to scare the voters. It is a great tribute to our democratic institution's efficiency and impartiality in conducting elections.

M. Jagannadha Rao,

Vizianagaram, A.P.

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