Ad hocist approach: The problem of Kashmir has remained unresolved because none of the parties involved were ever seriously interested in solving it. For almost all Pakistani rulers, it has been an easy tool and a powerful means to divert public attention from political mal-governance, poverty, a failing economy and a deteriorating law and order situation. On the Indian side, our political leaders, right from Jawaharlal Nehru to Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, have failed to evolve any consistency of approach and have lacked in clarity and thrust. Even the people of Kashmir and prominent organisations there have been oscillating between pro-independence and pro-Pakistan or status-quo stances.

We have failed in the task of crisis management in Kashmir for more than 50 years. Apart from complicating the issue, this has also resulted in the alienation of the people of Kashmir. They have been over-awed by terrorists from across the border and the unrest among their own youth than any solace offered by the official machinery.

Our approach to this issue has been either ad hocist or we have indulged in tactics of indifference and delay. Little do we seem to realise that every single day of delay only helps the militants to tighten their stranglehold over the helpless and agonised people of Kashmir.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

Talking to extremists: Recent events have made most of the Jehadi outfits sit back and take notice of the changes taking place in Kashmir. Even the release of Hurriyat Conference leaders has helped in altering perceptions.

From the task assigned to Mr Pant, it can be presumed that he has rightly moved to fix the snag in the efforts to start formal talks with the Islamic extremists of Kashmir. The offer can lay the foundation of an abiding relationship in this vital area.

These talks need to be seen in the backdrop of improving ties of India and Muslim outfits including clerics. Past prejudices have to be shed. The safety and welfare of our men in uniform is far more important than a few diplomatic pats on our backs. We must take note of the approach of the European Union towards developments in Afghanistan. It has evidently decided to take off the gloves and turn its moral indignation into effective action to deal with the Taliban. The significance of these developments should not be under-estimated.

UMED SINGH GULIA, Gohana

Be ruthless: The militant groups have bled the valley white over the past 10 years. The Pandits were hounded out a decade ago. More recently, Sikhs were massacred in south Kashmir.

On August 1 last year, Amarnath yatris, a large number of them poor brick-kiln workers, and a Muslim family were butchered. How long will these merchants of death be allowed to spill Indian blood?

The militant groups are all Pakistani plants. The head of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Mohd Sayeed, said on July 1: “The Jehad will continue till Kashmir becomes a part of Pakistan”. Hizb chief Salahuddin vomited venom from Islamabad only days later.

The Hurriyat will talk to New Delhi only after a visit to Pakistan. They need instructions from Pak rulers before they talk to New Delhi.

New Delhi must proceed in a calculated, considered and measured manner. All militants, foreign or local, must be dealt with ruthlessly. Of course, one practical possibility is to centre round a solution on the Line of Control (LoC) on a give and take basis, as suggested by the writer.