Date:28/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/28/stories/2002122800351004.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Act fast

Sir, — This is indeed a testing time for the PDP-Congress regime in Jammu and Kashmir. After more than a month-long lull, militants have struck with vengeance killing a political leader and targeting vulnerable civilians like women for not wearing the `burqa' (veil) and small children for no apparent reason. If the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, does not act fast, his Government may not only be criticised for failing to keep the militants at bay but his move of releasing some of those who were apprehended for indulging in anti-national activities may also come under fire. Mr. Sayeed should ensure that his `healing touch' policy does not backfire and that it actually works to build a good rapport among all the disgruntled elements in Kashmir.

V. Rajesh,

Mumbai