Troop reduction

Sir,

The Government of India's decision to cut troops in J&K has been hailed by almost all seperatist as well as political parties in Kashmir valley. The Government of Pakistan has also welcomed it. By taking this decision, the Government of India has shown its sincerity to resolve Kashmir issue peacefully. India is a democratic country, and it believes in democratic norms by allowing the people to express their feelings and grievances. That does not mean that any one is free to endanger the security and sovereignty of the Nation. India is within her rights to use force wherever, whenever it is forced to do so.

Now it is upto Pakistan and the militants groups to respond positively to India's stance.

The Hurriyat Conference should once again start the dialogue process with the Central Government. It should move forward with sincerity and with a clear approach to solve the five decade old problem. The other militant groups should also stop violence in the Valley.

Pakistan which has welcomed the decision should now approach a rationalist, realistic and pragmatic approach. It should dismantle all the terrorist camps located there. Only then it is hoped that peace would prevail in the sub-continent.

Yours etc...
Rakesh Kumar Salgotra
Digiana

Follow Himachal Pradesh

Sir,

This has reference to the news item ''HP to develop herbal gardens'' published sometime back in the Daily Excelsior.

By taking this step, the Himachal Pradesh Government is doing two things at the same time. Firstly, by allocating land to the unemployed youth of the State, it is trying to overcome the problem of unemployment which is taking an ugly dimension. This step will make them self reliant and prosperous. Secondly, they will have the chance of protecting the local varieties of herbs which are on the verge of extinction.

Likewise, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir should follow the foot steps of Himachal Pradesh.

This is a known fact that the Jammu and Kashmir State is endowed with rich wealth of medicinal plants. There is scope for export of huge quantities of this precious wealth.

The only thing for the Government to do is to find land suitable for herbal gardens. This land should be then distributed among the deserving and desirous unemployed youth. Moreover, they should be provided with technical assistance.

Once these things are executed meticulously, it is hoped that it would help us in achieving the same objectives as has been put forward by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Yours etc.....
Vivek Raina
Gandhi Nagar
Jammu.