Bullets and abuses

This refers to the article, ‘Modi’s warm words’ (Aug 19), by Murtaza Shibli. It is interesting to note that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally paid attention to the Kashmir issue. He has acknowledged that ‘bullets and abuses’ is no solution and that it is time the Kasmiris were embraced with love. This of course came at a time when the US state department declared Hizbul Mjuahideen a foreign terrorist organisation. This classification coupled with comments from leading Kashmiri activists’ highlights the need for caution.

As far as Pakistan is concerned, the country cannot step away from our responsibility to speak up for the Kashmir issue and we must brace ourselves for a steep climb as things have never been easy when it comes to the Kashmir issue. Although the Indian prime minister has said that the issue shouldn’t be resolved through ‘bullets and abuses’, an increased number of security forces personnel in the valley paints another picture. It can only be hoped that the Kashmir issue will be resolved soon.

Saman Hamid

Peshawar