It is a matter of concern that the situation in Kashmir is still not normal (“Curbs on movement back in Kashmir following clashes”, August 19). Recurring incidents of disturbances, even if they are mild, should be taken seriously. If the Centre had taken into confidence the local leaders before abrogating Article 370, the situation could have been handled better.
The Bharatiya Janata Party was never in power in the State except for a couple of years. It is difficult for it to read the pulse of the people on its own. It is time the Centre involved local leaders in decision-making. Whatever happens in Jammu and Kashmir reverberates not only in other parts of India but also across the globe.
V. Subramanian,
Chennai
It is typical of the middle class to go with the flow as they are always more likely to side with the powerful rather than the powerless. This has always been the case, irrespective of which party is in power (Editorial page, “‘The Idea of India’ is failing”, August 19). What happens in Kashmir has very little relevance in the lives of middle-class citizens in India as they are not directly affected.
Karthik G.,
Chennai
It’s important that we merge J&K with India completely because it borders a nation that has the intention of disturbing our internal security by making Kashmiris victims of terrorism. The writer says we think of Kashmir only as a tourist spot but that was because of the hurdle of Article 35A. If no one was allowed to make Kashmir their home, how could they develop a bond with the place?
The move by the government was definitely not constitutional but the motive is right, which is to secure the interest of the Union of India.
Aum Chhaya,
Rajkot, Gujarat
It is because of a majoritarian mindset that Indians now believe that whatever Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah do is what the country really needs. Announcing suddenly drastic moves such as demonetisation and the aboragation of Article 370 while keeping an entire State in the dark is not how a democracy functions. Due to this one-man (or two-men) show, there is a decline in the spirit of secularism and fraternity.
Elown M. Alwyn,
Bengaluru