All for good
People in Jammu and Kashmir have all the reasons to be unhappy. But, I believe, good things are in store for the UT, and people need to be patient (‘365 since 370’, August 9).
There are various investment possibilities in Jammu and Kashmir, across sectors. The lockdown necessitated by Covid-19 has caused some interruptions, or else sufficient investments would have already reached the region. Only rapid industrialisation and more jobs for the youth will pull out the region from the plight that it is in now.
All said, the issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir should be handled carefully, taking into consideration all factors. Nobody in Jammu and Kashmir should be made to feel that he or she has been humiliated over the last one year. Till now, the corrupt political leadership was ruling the roost, and the common man suffered. People there are yearning for good governance.
The political process in Jammu and Kashmir will not set off unless statehood is restored. Hope it happens sooner rather than later.
K.V. Prasad,
On email.
The genesis of problems in Jammu and Kashmir has always been a trust deficit between the Centre and the region since its accession to India. Now, the only solution is to gain the confidence and sympathy of the people of J&K.
S.K. Rajput,
On email.
Industrialists across the country can make rich contributions towards the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. A section of the population there has gone astray because of lack of jobs. Unless development comes to Kashmir and there are plenty of jobs for the Kashmiri youth, the mainstreaming of Kashmir is not going to happen.
The onus is on the Central government to see to it that development is visible in Kashmir in the next one or two years, and that it touches the lives of every ordinary resident of Jammu and Kashmir. If that happens, Pakistan is bound to quiver.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
Focus on issues
I agree with Meenakshi Lekhi that the Congress has a leadership crisis, but one must not forget the BJP’s attempt to poach Congress MLAs in Rajasthan (‘Forthwrite’, August 9). Sachin Pilot and the rebel MLAs should come forward and discuss their problems with the high command, rather than waste taxpayers’ money by isolating themselves in resorts.
The BJP should focus on issues caused by Covid-19 and the falling economy, rather than woo members of other parties.
Rajyavardhan Shetty,
On email.
Big salute
Though more than seven decades have passed since the nation got its independence, it is unfortunate that people belonging to backward communities have not achieved their freedom from the tyranny of the so-called upper-class clans, as evidenced from the statements made by the Covid-19 warrior Dr Ajoy Mistry, who belongs to a scheduled caste (‘The good doctor’, August 9).
Despite obstacles, Ajoy has now become a medical practitioner. It is remarkable that he is serving the same villagers who had earlier ostracised him for his caste. Without holding any animosity towards them for their mean acts, Ajoy is saving their lives from the clutches of the dreaded virus.
It also feels great to know that Subhasini, Ajoy’s mother, who founded Humanity Hospital out of her meagre earnings as a poor vegetable vendor, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018, for services rendered to poor and needy patients.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
On email.
Realistic target
Adar Poonawalla is being realistic when he said that his institute would need two years to administer the Covid-19 vaccine across India (‘Very Informed Person’, August 9). The aim should be to provide a safe and effective vaccine for all.
The government-appointed committee on vaccine administration should engage with all stakeholders while considering the logistics and ethical aspects of administration of Covid-19 in a country as large as ours.
It is a matter of pride that India is one of the largest producers of vaccines in the world.
T.P. Nandagopal,
On email.
Timely report
The cover story by R. Prasannan (August 2) on the role played by Indian soldiers in World War II was fantastic.
I have been a reader of THE WEEK for over 25 years and you have always surprised me with your ability for research and balanced articles on varied subjects of public interest.
Mahatma Gandhi was right in supporting the British during the war, despite the hostility shown by Winston Churchill towards India.
The role of various battalions, who fought in the war with extraordinary courage, has been well documented in your report. It is the right time to remember these soldiers, especially when we are battling on two fronts.
K.V. Jayaram,
On email.