P Chidambaram blames PDP-BJP government for Kashmir unrest

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P Chidambaram today blamed the PDP-BJP government for the unrest in Kashmir Valley and said the statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have "exacerbated" the crisis.

Chidambaram said he was deeply concerned over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is "sliding into total chaos".

"The PDP-BJP government is squarely responsible for the sharp deterioration in the last 6 weeks," he said in a statement.

The former Home and Finance Minister in the UPA government said the statements of the Prime Minister, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar have "exacerbated" the crisis.

"Moderation in words and actions alone can retrieve the situation. The loss of lives -- of protesting youth, other civilians and security forces -- has devastated all of us. This must stop," he said.

Chidambaram said he was afraid the way out of the crisis cannot be found by the present government.

"The Congress, National Conference and, if willing, the PDP must come together to find a solution: firstly, an immediate solution to stop the violence and, then, a path forward that will bring hope, peace and prosperity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Normal life in Kashmir Valley has been affected due to protests against the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. 63 persons have been so far killed in the ongoing unrest.