Kashmir unrest: Govt to adopt firmness and compassion

“Infiltration had been happening earlier but I can say that the infiltration numbers have decreased in 2015 compared to earlier, but in 2016 it has increased, it is true”, Singh told reporters onboard Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, which was commissioned by him at the Goa Shipyard Limited here.

Hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who literally shut the doors of his residence on a group of MPs few days back, today said he was not against dialogue but will not participate in any “meaningless exercise” which is not aimed at solving the Kashmir issue.

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in occupied Kashmir has extended the joint protest programme from September 9 to September 16, Kashmir Media Service reported.

With union home minister Rajnath Singh himself leading the APD, the ministry has made a significant move and come out with a “summary of issues” raised by the various delegations which met with the team in New Delhi.

The all-party delegation (APD) that visited Jammu and Kashmir this week on Wednesday asked the Central and the state governments to take steps for a dialogue with “all stakeholders” but asserted that there can be no compromises on the issue of national sovereignty.

On the response by Hurriyat leaders, the all-party delegation feels that the Government of India should develop a relationship with these leaders.

At least four persons were injured in fresh clashes yesterday between protestors and security forces in Anantnag district.

CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday said the all-party delegation failed to “achieve more” during its Kashmir visit due to government’s “inadequate homework” and delayed response in sending the contingent to the Valley.

Lashing out at separatists, he said, “They want violence and get innocents killed”. He had said that if the world community including China and Iran persuade India to take confidence building measures (CBMs), it would create an atmosphere conducive for peace and resolution. Also, the opposition parties are in no position to influence the views of the secessionists which are determined not even by the latter themselves but Pakistan, which, it is more than clear, will not accept any outcome to any negotiated settlement that does not put Kashmir on its lap.

With regard to demands from even mainstream national political parties for dilution of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the sources said there can not be any compromise on this aspect as terrorists do not respect geography when it comes to their actions.