Apropos Mr. J.A. Naik's article on Kashmir (26 September, 2000), I am shocked hy his presumptuous categorization of Muslim Indians as a hostage for the good behaviour of the Muslim Kashmiris. The historic moment Tor forcing an exchange of population in more than 50years behind us and whatever may or may not happen in Jammu & Kashmir, no sane person can even think of liquidating or forcing out 120 million Muslim Indians whose rights flow from the Constitution of India and not flow from the Instrument of Accession, signed by the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir and endorsed by Sheikh Abdullah.

No civilized State today can deliberately violate the international Declarations and Conventions and Covenants relating to the minorities.

It is also absurd to attribute even a whisper of separatism to Muslim-majority districts in other States. The logic of the secession of Jammu & Kashmir may apply to Punjab and the N.E. But the historical and demographic circumstances are totally different. Above all, these states are not claimed by any neighbouring State.

Mr. Naik should show greater faith in the strength of the roots of our secular order at the grass-roots level.