Dear Editor,
The genesis of the Kashmir problem is deeper than the Hindutva stirrings. We will have to revisit two watermarks. One: Tolerant Kashimiri ethos was first disharmonised during the days of the partition when Pakistan forcibly occupied one-third of Kashmir. Two: Calculated sustained anti-India strategy of Pakistan by way of terrorism, insurgency and brainwashing of Kashmiri youth. For Pakistan, turbulence and insurgency in the Valley and keeping the Kashmir issue alive is a must. On the other hand, here, the successive governments have been relying on a piecemeal ad hoc approach to the problem, ignoring the undercurrents of estrangement and leaning towards Pakistan in the young social fabric. The political parties and media should make the Kashmiri youth believe they are Indian and India shines when they twinkle. Education, welfare, development and communication with humanistic and patriotic fervour can make the chord buzz.
Lal Chand
Jammu