Rajnath Singh visit Kashmir valley, fresh clashes erupt killing one more youth

Much of Indian-administered Kashmir has been under curfew since protests broke out over the death on July 8 of a popular young rebel leader in a gunfight with security forces.

They met President Pranab Mukherjee and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, seeking their intervention in bringing about an end to the unrest that has crippled life in the restive valley.

Singh said the government is not averse to any kind of solution.

The minister extended an open invitation to all “who believe in Kashmiriyat, insaniyat, and jamhooriyat”, expressing his willingness to talk with those who have faith in the spirit of Kashmir, humaneness, and democracy.

Sources in the Home Ministry said, the forces are being dispatched to trouble-torn areas in the state for maintaining law and order.

Singh also held meetings with the leaders of political parties, who urged the Centre to initiate a dialogue with all the stakeholders at the earliest.

Immediately upon his arrival at the Nehru Guest House here, Singh, accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials, held a meeting with different wings of administration including security, health and maintenance of essential commodities for the people. The unrest was triggered following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 and as many as 65 people, including two policemen, have been killed and several thousands injured in clashes between protestors and security forces. “It is also the desire of the common citizens of Jammu and Kashmir including those living in Kashmir Valley”, Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office, said.

“The All Parties Hurriyat Conference of Kashmir, which I chair, believes that a war is being waged against us by the “democratic” Indian state, in total violation of all democratic norms”.

State Congress chief G A Mir said the meeting with Modi might augur well for Kashmir. The home minister arrived here to review the security situation in the wake of clashes between protestors and security forces that have left 66 people dead, including two police personnel. He said the dialogue process will help in culling down tempers, which will result in safety of the people. “We are not here to complain about anyone but have come with a request that if our suggestions are heeded to, it will have a positive impact not only on Jammu and Kashmir but in the entire country”, he said.

Omar told reporters the Prime Minister agreed with the delegation that development alone is not an answer to the crisis.

Omar Abdullah told the prime minister that in view of serious injuries inflicted by the pellet guns on the youth who have been holding protests for over one and a half month, the government needs to ban its use.