Date:07/08/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/08/07/stories/2002080700191001.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Right prescription

Sir, — Malini Parthasarathy, in her analysis of the Kashmir issue, has clearly brought out the distinct character of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, diagnosed the disease afflicting the State and prescribed the correct medicine of ``autonomy as was envisaged originally to the State''.

This means that Article 370 shall continue to govern and the current demand of the National Conference for autonomy shall be conceded by the Vajpayee administration.

Let not the NDA Government entertain any misplaced fears that greater powers for the J&K Government might lead to any step-motherly treatment of the people of Jammu.

Nor would it encourage the demand for an independent State of Kashmir. Trust begets trust. The people of India expect the Vajpayee administration to act without fear.

S. Gopalakrishnan,

Chennai