Heed voices of reason, desist from violence, Chidambaram tells Kashmir

Urging the people of Kashmir to desist from violent protests, home minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday promised to reactivate dialogue to address their grievances once normalcy is restored in the Valley.

Making a statement in parliament on the Kashmir situation, he expressed regret over the loss of 39 lives in the violence that has engulfed the Valley since June 11 and asked the people to repose their faith in the elected government.

He said the state government was “actively considering a number of political and administrative measures” to help restore normalcy in the state. The state is keen on holding a dialogue, redressing grievances, accelerating development programmes and ensuring justice and honour for people.

Chidambaram said the government recognises that issues concerning J&K are “issues concerning our own people and they have to be addressed through a dialogue”.

“I would urge all sections of the people of J&K to heed the voices of reason and desist from violent protests,” the minister said. “Mindless violence and destruction of public property will not lead to any solution.”

At the same time, the minister said it was his “duty” to point out that security forces have conducted themselves with “commendable restraint in a highly-volatile situation”, showing “courage and fortitude”. Security forces have also been asked to deal with the crowds in a restrained manner, he told parliament.