This refers to the editorial, “An unacceptable bargain” (July 23). Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram’s suggestion to grant greater autonomy to Kashmir can be considered as an option to meet the aspirations of the people in the valley. Substantial autonomy will persuade the valley folks to remain with India. On the other hand, more central control will only prolong the resolution of the problem and agony of the people.
New Delhi cannot pretend not to hear the cry for azadi. It cannot station so many troops in the valley indefinitely. The sense of being occupied must go. The Modi Government has to become more flexible, accommodative and imaginative and make fresh attempts to reach out to the Kashmiris for reconciliation in a spirit of insaniyat.