Security forces should exercise maximum restrain: Omar tells Rajnath

Srinagar : Expressing deep anguish at the loss of innocent lives in the clashes in parts of Kashmir Valley in the past few days, Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah today took on social media and said until security forces exercise maximum restraint, this vicious cycle of violence would not stop.

“HM @rajnathsingh ji spoke to me earlier today. I told him that until security forces exercise maximum restraint and stop killing protestors, this vicious cycle of violence would not stop. Only after the lethal use of force ends can we begin to pull the valley back from the abyss,” Abdullah said in a series of Tweet.

“For our part @JKNC_ will play what ever role is required to help normalise the situation. But onus lies on state & central governments,” he added.

He further tweeted that in the mean time proper medical treatment to the injured must be ensured and hospitals must be adequately stocked with all necessary supplies.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today spoke to former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on the on-going crisis in Kashmir.

Expressing similar sentiments, Congress party president Sonia Gandhi said that political parties must be allowed time to find “durable and enduring ways” to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued with regard to the more than 20 lives lost in the state owing to clashes between protestors and security forces following the death of militant Burhan Wani in an encounter in the Tral region last week, Gandhi said, “It is a matter of great anguish that so many innocent lives have been lost these past days in parts of the Kashmir Valley. There can be no compromise on matters relating to national security. Terrorism must be dealt with firmly and forcefully.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti convened a high-level Cabinet meeting yesterday to take stock of the situation in the Valley.

The death toll rose to 21, with five more people losing their lives on Sunday. A policeman was killed in Anantnag when protesters pushed a vehicle into the Jhelum river. (ANI)