The editorial “Better late than never” (August 12) has pinpointed the core need for mature leadership in Jammu and Kashmir. This state of 11 million people, of whom nearly half are below the age of 19 years, has become captive to disruptive elements. Grass roots connectivity is essential for the top leadership to change the mindset of people.
However, in Kashmir, after the1980s, most of the chief ministers have been from select, well-to-do families, and have ruled from a distance from highly-protected structures. This gap with the people needs to be bridged as a priority. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should muster courage to mingle with the masses, listen to their concerns with empathy, remove their misgivings about India’s intentions and seek their cooperation to rebuild the state.
Besides, the Kashmir issue needs an out-of-the-box approach. For this, the ruling party will have to take the Opposition in confidence.
Y G Chouksey, Pune
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