P Chidambaram blames PDP-BJP government for Kashmir unrest

Senior Congress leader and former home minister P Chidambaram has blamed the ruling PDP-BJP alliance government for the unrest in Kashmir.

"The PDP-BJP government is squarely responsible for the sharp deterioration in the last 6 weeks," he said in a statement here.

Chidambaram also criticised the statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar saying, “(Their) remarks have exacerbated the crisis.”

Chidambaram said he was deeply concerned over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is "sliding into total chaos".

"Moderation in words and actions alone can retrieve the situation. The loss of lives -- of protesting youth, other civilians and security forces -- has devastated all of us. This must stop," he said.

Chidambaram said he was afraid the way out of the crisis cannot be found by the present government.

"The Congress, National Conference and, if willing, the PDP must come together to find a solution: firstly, an immediate solution to stop the violence and, then, a path forward that will bring hope, peace and prosperity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Normal life in Kashmir Valley has been affected due to protests against the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. 63 persons have been so far killed in the ongoing unrest.