Kashmir opposition parties meet Modi,Urges dialogue with all stakeholders

New Delhi, August 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told a delegation of opposition leaders from Jammu and Kashmir that development alone could not solve every issue indicating that centre may be considering a political initiative to put an end to the unrest that has roiled the state for over a month.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir said, “The Prime Minister did agree development isn’t the only way out, indicating there was perhaps a thinking to start a dialogue. We are hopeful that it will happen soon.”
Speaking to reporters, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also confirmed that PM Modi said development only couldn’t solve the current crisis.
Kashmir has been under curfew for the last 45 days, since the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani. More Nearly 70 people have died and over 5,000 injured in clashes with security forces trying to quell the unrest.
The opposition delegation submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister today, expressing its anguish over the loss of lives in the valley and to express “dismay at the lack of a political approach to deal with the situation.”
The delegation also asked the centre to ensure pellet guns – that have caused most of injuries among civilians – are not used any more.
The memorandum submitted by these leaders to Prime Minister reads: “we want to express our anguish, grief and sorrow over the painful loss of lives in the Valley and also express dismay at the lack of a political initiative to deal with the situation. More than sixty young lives have been lost due to excessive force while many have gone blind due to use of pellet guns. The tried and tested formulations of dealing with the issue of Kashmir administratively rather than politically has further exacerbated the situation and created an unprecedented sense of disaffection and disenchantment especially among youth. We are of the firm opinion that the Central Government should waste no further time in initiating a credible and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to address the unrest in the State. We also implore you to announce an immediate ban on pellet guns and advice relevant quarters against the policy of mass harassment, raids and arrests as this has worsened an already volatile situation in the State and also goes against the values and principles of democracy,” the memorandum reads adding that a continued failure to address the unrest in Kashmir will further deepen the sense of alienation. (CNS)