Think Twice Before Blaming India

The author's analysis in the Opinion page article "Behind the Human Rights Violence in Kashmir," July 29, is not complete. Kashmir has had elected governments and enjoyed a lot of stability. It is the way it is today because of the result of the "Zia Plan," a doctrine conceptualized under the auspices of the late military dictator of Pakistan, Gen. Mohammed Zia ul-Haq.

There has been dissent in many Indian states at one time or the other due to the overemphasis on central government at the expense of state governments. This dissent eventually shapes up as nationalism and can only be encouraged at the risk of India's survival as a country. If one follows the author's suggestion, all of these states should go their separate ways so that India can win the West's approval on its human rights record.

A stable, unified India is a prerequisite to the stability of Asia and the world at large. Other countries would disregard this fact only at their peril.

Let us not repeat the mistake of Bosnia all over again. Ramesh S. Pai, University Park, Ill.

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