Sir,
The debate in Rajya Sabha was almost a unanimous exercise in expressing solidarity with the people of the State barring a few known voices that try and try to take political mileage during the troubled times.
Kashmir issue is seventy years old, scripted originally by Congress and executed clandestinely by successive Governments to meet essentially short term requirements of peace in the State. A generation of Kashmiris that grew up with the problem helped the local politicians to stay in power. The people and the politicians joined hands to drain the State of its resources and it was absolute corruption that drove the aging State vehicle over ridges and precipices irrespective of the pitfalls. A new generation of people is on the scene backed by financially loaded parents, retired bureaucrats and external forces to further an agenda that is dangerously fought with uncertainty. Pakistan on its part has established firm grip on the morale of the leaders that preach and practice separatism. The people in general are helplessly or willingly with the separatists. Those who matter in the society have their children educated outside the State, are owning property in metropolises of India and conduct their business favorably. For these men and women prolonging the agitation will hardly pinch but for those who work on day to day basis the shut down is a pain. The situation is no doubt complicated but if Government of India is allowed to stand strong by Pakistan baiters within India, the situation will turn around. The long term solution as demanded by the separatists is neither practicable nor in the interest of the country. A middle ground will have to be found and only time will tell when and how.
Yours etc…..
H L Shishoo
Mahinder Nagar
Jammu
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