The first few lines of the article “Airport Chalo” in column INKSIGHT by Mehmood-ur-Rashid (02/09/2010) where the author refers to the airport as a “Hindu” airport clearly shows that it is the author whose sensibilities are categorized on the basis of religion, not anyone else’s. Everybody agrees that its a huge inconvenience to have the airport shifted to Awantipora - even I had to reschedule my tickets for a trip back home for the very same reason - however it would have never even crossed my mind that there is some kind of deeper religious conspiracy going on behind it rather than obvious political and technical incompetencies of the local government.Conjuring up conspiracy theories at everything that happens in Kashmir only trivialises the tragic situation which we all are facing. It is the need of the hour to ensure that a constructive solution is sought out for Kashmir and that we retain our famed “Kashmiriyat” and not succumb to the designs of evil minds who are only grinding their own axe and creating friction between different sections of the society.I am a strong proponent of Freedom of Expression. However I strongly believe that it is the duty of responsible media not to allow statements which tend to divide the society - such as ones made by the author.

Sumita Bali
balisumita@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
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