This refers to the editorial, “Tackling J&K problem” (May 1). The tragedy of Jammu & Kashmir, since the time of its accession to the Indian Union, is that there has been a dearth of leaders with realistic vision, wisdom and maturity. Even Sheikh Abdullah, who rejected Muhammad Ali Jinnah in preference to Jawaharlal Nehru, appeared to have developed a fascination for an independent sheikdom with foreign support. His son, Farooq Abdullah, lacked political sagacity and credibility. He had a tendency to set his sails according to the winds. In Delhi, he was all for India; when in Srinagar, he did not hesitate to sing an anti-Indian and pro-Pakistan tune.
Both, Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, were members of the Union Cabinet. Now, after their defeat in the last Jammu & Kashmir election, they are in wilderness. Farooq Abdullah's recent utterances have been provocative and reprehensible, coming from a newly-elected MP in a State by-poll. Even a miserably low vote percentage did not impel him to resign.