New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday appealed to the people of Kashmir to end the ‘cycle of violence’ in Kashmir, and urged parents to ensure that their children did not join violent activities.
‘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,’ Chidambaram said in the Lok Sabha.
Chidambaram made a specific appeal to parents in the Kashmir Valley. ‘Your children’s security and welfare is of paramount importance to us, as it is of yours. I would urge you to ensure that they do not join any violent activities,’ he said.
The Kashmir Valley has been on the boil for the last 54 days due to violent protests against civilians being killed in firing by security forces. As many as 45 people have died and 180 injured in the violence since June 11.
Chidambaram said there were 872 stone pelting incidents in June and July 2010 and 1,266 security personnel were injured in the last two months.
‘It is my duty to point out that security forces conducted themselves with commendable restraint in a highly volatile situation. They have shown courage and fortitude,’ he said.
Chidambaram said the central government was behind the Omar Abdullah-led state government in its efforts aimed at restoring peace, holding dialogue and redressing grievances of all parts of Kashmir.
He echoed Abdullah’s statement Monday that only after peace was restored could further initiatives be initiated to find a solution to the Kashmir problem.
