Immediately upon his arrival at the Nehru Guest House here, Singh, accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials, held a meeting with different wings of administration including security, health and maintenance of essential commodities for the people.
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Amid Kashmir unrest, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday vowed to pursue the agenda of political resolution, economic empowerment and good governance, saying the state has suffered “political subversion” and “uncertainty” over the last seven decades and can ill-afford any further disruption.
At least 68 people, including 66 civilians and two policemen, have died in the violence in the Valley since July 9, a day after Hizbul militant Burhan Wani was killed by security forces. Some vehicles were also seen on the roads, witnesses and residents said. Separatist leaders have asked people to continue the shutdown till August 25.
Police said the troops fired after villagers pelted them with stones in the southern Shopian area while they were clearing roadblocks set up by anti-India protesters in about half a dozen villages. Authorities also continued with their restrictions in many parts of the troubled Kashmir Valley where life remained paralysed.
Pakistan’s Punjab Province Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution condemning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Balochistan and Gilgit-Biltistan and asked the federal government to take up the issue at worldwide fora, including the UN. They have been pressing the government for a “political solution” to the ongoing unrest.
In sharp contrast today, former Home minister P Chidambaram referring to the Monday’s meeting, said on his micro-blogging site: “If it is the first sign of fresh thinking, we must welcome it.
Reports on Tuesday suggested that Rajnath Singh has already held two rounds of talks with eminent citizens – mainly non-Kashmiri Muslims, to discuss a plan of action and seek their help in initiating a dialogue with Kashmiris.
Before leaving for Kashmir, the home minister said he will hold talks with all stakeholders and those who believe in “Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat” are welcome.
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“It was a long and comprehensive discussion and a lot of things were discussed. The government needs to restore confidence of Kashmiris and be sensitive to their needs and sentiments”, Siddiqui said.
