PM Narendra Modi concerned about state of Kashmir Valley

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed "deep concern and pain" at the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir and underlined "we need to find a permanent and lasting solution to the problem within the framework of the Constitution", a PMO statement said after leaders of many Opposition parties of J&K, led by Omar Abdullah, met Modi.

The PM said those who lost their lives during the recent disturbances "are part of us, our nation; whether the lives lost are of our youth, security personnel or police, it distresses us".

At the same time, the statement made no mention of the Hurriyat or Pakistan. While maintaining that all political parties must work together to find a solution, Modi reportedly conveyed to the Opposition leaders that his government and the nation stand stood with the state of J&K. He expressed his commitment to the development of the state and its people and appealed for restoration of normalcy.

Others who met the PM included Ghulam Ahmed Mir of Congress, Hakeem Mohammad of PDF; MY Tarigami of CPM, Ghulam Hassan Mir of Democratic Party Nationalist and others.

The PM "appreciated the constructive suggestions made at the meeting and reiterated his government’s commitment to the welfare of citizens of the state. After the meeting, Abdullah, flanked by others of his team, said, "Jammu and Kashmir requires a political initiative. An administrative initiative won’t be enough." Abdullah and Mir said "PM Modi accepted only development may not resolve the crisis."

Their meeting with the PM is aimed at persuading the Centre to start a political dialogue with the stakeholders in J&K. The delegation of Opposition leaders demanded the Centre ensure security forces stop using pellet guns to control violent crowds as they have caused most of injuries among civilians, with many people losing eyesight. On Sunday night, these leaders also met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. "Discussed the current political crisis in J&K with a delegation of Opposition leaders from the state led by Omar Abdullah," Gandhi had tweeted.