Even as the Centre has come forward to hold talks with the protesters who are resorting to violence in Jammu and Kashmir, there can be no second thoughts about the fact that J&K is part and parcel of India. The present crisis in the state has not erupted overnight. There cannot be any smoke without fire. In fact, the current protests are nothing but the result of the prolonged anger and disappointment of the people of J&K with the administration.
Also, there is no wisdom in yielding to the whims and fancies of some sections of separatists in J&K who are misguiding the people. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has every right to do what is good for his people because his government was elected by the people of J&K.
Instiling trust and confidence into the people should be the first priority of both the Centre and the state government. Once peace is restored in the Valley, the political process and other developmental activities will fall in place.
P Senthil Saravana Durai, Hyderabad