Srinagar, Nov. 8 -- Economic Prosperity, Religious Identity and Secularism Mean Little Without Freedom and Accountability.

The relationship between religion and governance has been debated throughout human history. One school of thought believes they should remain closely connected, while another argues that they should operate independently. Both have their reasoning, but history offers an important lesson: whether rulers invoke God, nationalism, democracy or secularism, the temptation to misuse power remains the same.

Those who favour combining religion and governance argue that religion provides a moral foundation for society. The fear of God and accountability to a higher authority, they believe, can restrain rulers from becoming gr...