This refers to the article, “Of more, not less, concessions” (September 26) by Rekha Saxena. The article, instead of spelling out what ‘greater autonomy’ signifies, what ‘new federal solution’ represents, what political parties should do to rise above ‘narrow political interests’ etc, indulges in vague rhetoric. Although Jammu & Kashmir is regarded as an integral part of India, it enjoys several privileges: It has a separate Constitution; education until post-graduate level is free; most state funding comes from the Centre etc.
The author fails to articulate in what way the State Government is restricted. Jammu & Kashmir's problems started when Sheikh Abdullah started dreaming about an independent Kashmir with foreign help. Azadi slogan is now stridently revived by Kashmiri separatists and Islamic radicals. Sadly, some of our intellectuals ignored how thousands of young Kashmiris recently rushed to police camps to get recruited as special police officers. It is clear that ordinary people want peace, education for their children and jobs.