Letters to the Editor

Published : Jul 18, 2018 12:30 IST

Jammu & Kashmir

IT is disturbing to note that the current crisis in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of political manoeuvring (Cover Story, July 20). I developed love and respect for Kashmir during my schooldays after a family from the State moved to Tuticorin, my hometown. The children of the family spoke highly of Kashmir. Unfortunately, today one cannot paint a rosy picture of the State.

A strong strategy and diplomacy are totally missing in the way the problems of Kashmir have been dealt with. As the first step, law and order should be maintained across the Valley. Secondly, the Indian government must wake up to the reality in Jammu and Kashmir and take steps to improve education, create jobs and develop business opportunities for the young and in general. India should immediately look for ways to maintain good relations with Pakistan and strengthen bilateral ties.

P. Senthil Saravana Durai

Mumbai

ONE s hould not expect wonders from Governor’s Rule in Jammu and Kashmir. One can only hope that things will improve. There is no doubt that Pakistan is behind the present situation in Kashmir. Pakistani leaders cannot survive politically unless they create problems in Kashmir. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should act to end these day-to-day problems in Kashmir by giving the Army full powers to deal with the situation suitably. This is the only solution to end not just the Kashmir problem but also Pakistan’s daily attacks along the LoC. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir must be taken back from Pakistan.

M. Kumar

New Delhi

AFTER M ehbooba Mufti’s ceasefire experiment ended in a failure, the Centre’s decision not to extend it was a step in the right direction. The BJP took a bold step when it ended its untenable alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party after a roller-coaster ride for three years. The PDP paid a heavy price for not including the BJP in decision-making on crucial issues and for not resolving the differences it had with the BJP on several issues. The major conflict arose between the two over Mehbooba Mufti’s not doing enough to curb terrorism, violence and radicalisation, which led to a deterioration of the security situation in the State. The BJP had no option but to give up power in the national interest.

K.R. Srinivasan

Secunderabad, Telangana

Football

THE ongoing FIFA World Cup has turned out to be truly thrilling (“Hope springs eternal”, July 20). The bolt from the blue was the ignominious exit of the defending champion, Germany, in the group stage. The present German team was a pale shadow of the 2014 team, which had a fine balance of youth and experience and recorded impressive victories. Overconfidence and complacency also led to its downfall as testified by its defeats to Mexico and South Korea.The fact that it finished at the bottom of its group added insult to injury.

The exits of the much-fancied teams such as Argentina, Portugal and Spain and the creditable performance of new teams such as Croatia, Belgium and Japan have lent spice and flavour to this edition of the World Cup.

B. Suresh Kumar

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Minorities

THERE is no wishing away the stark reality that the minorities in the country have reason to feel insecure under the present dispensation (Cover Story, July 6). The many instances of lynching and acts of hatred against the minorities cock a snook at India’s hallowed principles of “sarva dharma samabhava” (respect for all religions) and “vasudhaiva kutumbakom” (the world is one family). The fact that Church leaders, who generally steer clear of political controversies, expressed their anguish loud and clear epitomises the despicable situation.

Ayyasseri Raveendranath

Aranmula, Kerala

AFTER the BJP government took charge at the Centre in 2014, it started a number of schemes and campaigns for the benefit of all castes and religions, and introduced the Make in India programme to attract global investors to the domestic market, which will bring about development and reduce unemployment.

But, of late, some minority communities, citing recent incidents of violence, have developed apprehensions that the Sangh Parivar may try and put down the other religions of the country. The BJP under the positive leadership of Modi is working tirelessly to build a strong nation. Therefore, under the circumstances, Modi should allay the fears of the minorities and Dalits and restore their faith in his slogan “Sabka saath, sabka vikas”. Otherwise, the party could face a setback in 2019.

Ashok K. Nihalani

Pune, Maharashtra

Pranab Mukherjee

WHEN Pranab Mukherjee was chosen to be President, his unswerving loyalty and dedicated service to the country was appreciated by everyone (“Courting controversy”, July 6). His gesture in presenting the Bharat Ratna award to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the former Prime Minister’s house is an indication of his decency. His visit to the RSS’ meeting was unnecessarily turned into a controversy. His advice to MPs when he was President to stop creating disturbances in Parliament and, now, his speech on tolerance at this forum are all testimony to his sincerity.

A.J. Rangarajan

Chennai

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