The delegation is led by former Chief Minister Omar and will include CPI-M MLA Mohamme Yusuf Tarigami, Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad and some independent MLAs.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed “deep pain” and concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley and emphasised on the need for dialogue to find a lasting solution within the framework of the Constitution.
More than 60 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since the killing of Wani.
The delegation of leaders was led by former state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“He said the Centre” s unfortunate refusal to handle the situation politically may create long-term complications in peace and stability in the Himalayan state as the violence confined to the valley has already spread to Peer Panjal, Kargil and Chenab valley in Jammu.
The delegation also submitted a memorandum to the president. He expressed his commitment to the development of the State and its people, and appealed for restoration of normalcy. He regretted that whatever measures governments in the state and Centre should be taking for normalisation of situation were being taken by the opposition parties.
The delegation sought an “immediate ban on pellet guns” – a risky mob control weapons that has blinded hundreds of people, including children, in Kashmir.
We apprised him in detail about the situation in Kashmir, including Jammu and Ladakh.
“This is a political problem and that is about it”.
Abdullah criticised the ruling BJP-PDP alliance in the state for its handling of the violence in the valley, that was under curfew for the 43rd day.
Talking to KNS Akhter said “Omar Abdullah did not grow as head of the government and is not growing in opposition”. Congress leader Ravinder Sharma, who was also part of the delegation, said that the president “appeared concerned and assured us he would do the needful”.
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Omar warned that a “continued delay to engage with the people of the state through a comprehensive and sustained political initiative will further deepen the sense of alienation in the Valley and cast a shadow of uncertainty on its future generation”.
