New Delhi: Extending his support to the J&K government and appealing for the people to have faith in their government, the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Wednesday that the security forces were exercising maximum restraint in the state.
Making a statement in the Lok Sabha on the situation in the state which has seen cyclical violence for the last two months, Chidambaram said the Centre “deeply regrets the loss of civilian lives.”
He informed the House that there had been 39 civilian deaths since June 11. At least 1,266 security men had been injured in mob attacks, he added.
“Security forces are exercising maximum restraint. They are sometimes compelled to use force to protect public property and defend themselves,” he said.
Shockingly, he revealed that armed militants were mingling with the protesting crowds.
“I make an appeal to the Kashmiris to not let their children indulge in such protests,” he said.
Agreeing that the state needs political measures to redress the situation, the minister extended support to the call of peace by J&K CM Omar Abdullah for that to happen.
“Jammu and Kashmir government is actively considering a number of political and administrative measures to restore normalcy in the state. The CM has asked for peace to take more steps and the Centre endorses his appeal.
He said Abdullah had Centre’s support in restoring law and order, holding a dialogue, redressing genuine grievances and ensuring equity, justice and honour for all sections of the state.
“Issues of Kashmir are our own issues. Government has always favoured dialogue with all parties and the same was started in 2009. Once peace is restored in Kashmir, I am confident that we can explore the possibility of reactivating the political process that holds the key to solutions,” he said, adding that the people needed to have faith in their government to solve their problems.
Mindless violence and disruption of peace will not lead to any solution, he said.
As he closed his statement, chairman of the NDA LK Advani rose up to ask for the measures that the government had initiated.
Curfew remained clamped in the violence-hit Kashmir Valley today with security forces keeping a tight vigil to maintain law and order.
The restrictions continued for the sixth day in all the ten districts of the Valley which has witnessed a spurt in violence.
Stone-pelting mobs had yesterday defied curfew at many places in Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora and Baramulla in north Kashmir and Awantipora and Kulgam in south Kashmir and attacked police personnel.
Five persons were killed and at least 20 policemen were injured yesterday in violent incidents which have so far claimed the lives of 28 people since Friday last.
