Message received

Sir — According to legend, the return of Durga and her children to Kailash is heralded to her husband by a pair of neelkantha birds. But the recent State of India's Birds report has shown a 35% decline in the population of neelkanthas or Indian rollers. Unsurprisingly, neelkanthas fall under the protected list and possession or trading of the bird can lead to a fine of Rs 25,000 or imprisonment. In this light, perhaps we should consider that the gods, who are said to be omnipresent and omniscient, would not need a couple of birds to know the news of each other’s arrivals
and departures.

Rima Roy,
Calcutta

People’s voices

Sir — The poll verdict in Jammu and Kashmir was unsurprising (“Nettled crown”, Oct 9). It is obvious that Kashmiris have not forgiven those who made a mockery of federal democracy by unilaterally abrogating the special status accorded to the erstwhile state. The people of the Valley have delivered the clear message that exercising one’s electoral right is the best way to protest against divisive forces.

Kajal Chatterjee,
Calcutta

Sir — The election results in J&K have invited national attention. Considering J&K’s troubled history, the peaceful conduct of elections in the Union territory is a triumph of constitutional democracy and will ensure the emotional integration of Kashmiris with the rest of the country. Their wholehearted embracing of the ballot is a defining moment in the deepening of Indian democracy.

Kiran Agarwal,
Calcutta

Sir — Given the exceptional political realities of J&K and the complex structure of governance within which the National Conference-led government will need to function, constant friction between the peoples’ representatives and the constitutional functionaries could defeat the gains of democracy and popular aspirations. The Union government must thus respect the will of the people and allow the representatives that they have elected to rule without obstructions.

Bal Govind,
Noida

Sir — Political representatives have historically distanced the people of Kashmir from the realities on the ground through rumours and misinformation. Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, for instance, initially refused to contest the assembly elections, fearing that his participation would lend legitimacy to the J&K’s new constitutional status. However, the allure of the chief minister’s chair drew him in. The road ahead for Abdullah is fraught with challenges. It is hoped that he will avoid confrontations with the lieutenant-governor.

Mihir Kanungo,
Calcutta

Sir — In the Valley, the INDIA bloc was chosen decisively over rivals, including independents fielded by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami. The National Conference’s steadfast moderation on Kashmiri autonomy and the rights of the citizens in the erstwhile state, the Congress’s message of reconciliation and support towards restoration of statehood, and the popularity of J&K’s lone Leftist and long-time legislator, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, helped the alliance reap the lion’s share of the seats in the Valley and win in reserved seats in Jammu. The National Conference must now live up to this mandate but the task will not be easy.

A.K. Sen,
Nadia

Sir — With the electorate ensuring that the INDIA bloc got the reins to power in J&K, it would be best if the Centre respected the mandate, accelerated the process of restoring statehood and allowed the newly elected government to fulfil its promises. Statehood and a vibrant assembly would help reactivate the political, administrative and civic aspects of democracy in J&K.

M. Pradyu,
Kannur, Kerala