Prime Minister Narendra Modi spending Diwali in Kashmir is a milestone (“ >Rs.745-cr. aid for J&K ,” Oct. 24). His visit to Siachen (“Diwali sweets for jawans,” Oct. 24) and conveying to our soldiers that India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them, reminds one of the quote: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
A.J. Rangarajan,
Chennai
Mr. Modi’s generous outreach gesture to the people of Kashmir is to be appreciated. However, there will be the inevitable comparisons. He must focus on the northeast and Visakhapatnam also as the elements have hit/devastated both places. Infrastructure needs to be restored there on a war-footing.
Rajesh Pedagadi,
Visakhapatnam
The visits will send out a strong message to the international community, especially Pakistan, that Kashmir is very much a part of India. It is gestures like these that will help bring the marginalised State into the mainstream. While there are some who dismiss Mr. Modi’s move as a political gimmick, the truth is that it is a morale-booster for Kashmiris and Indian soldiers.
Subhaga Ann Varghese,
Thiruvananthapuram