Srinagar, Sept. 17 -- The debate over the duration of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session raises a larger question than whether the House should sit for seven days or a month. The real issue is how much meaningful work the Assembly is able to complete when it meets. Every session is an opportunity for elected representatives to place public concerns before the government, seek answers, examine policies and demand action. Yet, too often, valuable time is consumed by political statements, counter-statements and allegations. When the focus shifts from issues to rhetoric, the people's concerns are pushed into the background. The Assembly is not a platform for political confrontation. It is an institution meant to strengthen accountability ...