Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday evening admitted that neither he nor his government can control the situation “single-handedly” and made a fervent appeal to the civil society, political leaders — both separatist and mainstream — and media to “rise to the occasion and help the government in restoring peace and normalcy in the Valley and provide succour to the people.”
He also acknowledged that Kashmir is a political problem. “The larger political issue of Kashmir has to be resolved by India and Pakistan and I would want to see an end to the bitterness between the two neighbouring countries,” he said.
After discussing the falling law and order situation with his Cabinet colleagues and officials of administration and security agencies, the chief minister admitted to the situation being “worrisome”. He said, “Some anti-social elements are hell-bent to foment trouble, mayhem and bloodshed in the Valley to satiate their political designs.” He pleaded before the people of all shades of opinion, media and religious heads to join the government in stopping bloodshed and confessed that he and his government cannot stop it single-handedly.
He, at the same time, warned, “We should not provide any excuse or opportunity to the anti-social elements who want to build their castles on the blood of innocent youth. Such anti-social elements would not be allowed to play havoc with the lives of the people.” He added, “Education of our children is the first causality of the prevailing situation as it has come to a grinding halt. Our children are not able to pursue their studies. Their future is at stake and under such circumstances, they shall not be able to compete.”
He appealed to the parents not to allow any body to play with the future of their children. “I am not happy with frequent curfews but human life matters more than the human movement,” he said adding the basic purpose of curfew is to avoid use of force and therefore “I prefer imposing restrictions rather than putting the lives at risk. People should extend cooperation in providing succour to the people and follow curfew restrictions to save human lives.”