This Article is From Aug 04, 2010
Chidambaram: Keep children away from protests, end violence in Kashmir
New Delhi: As the valley continued to be under curfew, Home Minister P Chidambaram said, in Parliament, on Wednesday, the government recognises that the issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir are "issues concerning our own people and they have to be addressed through the political process and through a dialogue with all sections of people" of the state.
Chidambaram endorsed J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's view that the Kashmir solution had to be a political one. Contending that the government had always favoured talks, he said, "Once peace and order are restored, I am confident that we can explore the possibility of reactivating the political process that holds the key to solutions."
There have been 40 deaths during protests in Kashmir since June 11 this year - the latest, a protester who died of his injuries in Behmina today.
The Home Minister urged all Kashmiris to ensure that children were kept away from violent protests. In a "special appeal" to parents, he said, "your children's safety and welfare is our paramount consideration -- as it must be yours -- and I would urge you to ensure that they do not join the violent protests."
"The Central government deeply regrets the loss of lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Many of them were young men and children. I convey our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased," he said. "Even while we regret these incidents, I would appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to put an end to the current cycle of violence," he said. The Centre, he said, had reliable information that some armed militants had mingled with the crowds and instigated violence.
The Home Minister said there had been 872 stone pelting incidents in June and July and over 1200 security personnel had been injured in protests in the past two months. He had a message for the protesters, "Mindless violence and destruction of public property will not lead to any solution. On the contrary, they will result in loss of lives and injuries to the protestors, an outcome that is entirely avoidable and that should be avoided at all costs."
The government has sent a delegation of ministers to the affected areas of the valley. 21 more CRPF companies have been deployed in the valley, and the Home Minister today assured Parliament that Kashmir has adequate forces to deal with any situation.