New Delhi: With violence claiming 23 lives in Kashmir valley, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today expressed angusih over death innocent lives but emphasized that terrorism must be dealt with firmly and forcefully.
In a statement issued following the loss of over 20 lives in Jammu and Kashmir 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."
The statement further quoted her, as saying, "Even so, the death of so many of our brethren is very painful. The political process has made many gains in J&K over the last two decades particularly and these must not get lost. I appeal to my brothers and sisters in the Valley to allow political parties to find durable and enduring ways of fulfilling their aspirations meaningfully in a peaceful and democratic manner."
Earlier, Rajnath also spoke to Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and former Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Kashmir situation. Singh also spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, assuring her all central assistance to restore calm in the Valley.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today chaired a crucial meet in the capital to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state.
NSA Ajit Doval, Home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, IB Chief Dinewshwar Sharma along with other senior officials of the MHA were present at the meeting.
The Home Minister has directed officials to ensure that paramilitary forces in Kashmir provide all assistance the state government for restoration of peace and normalcy in the Valley as early as possible.
Mobile telephony has been suspended in the four districts of south Kashmir since Friday evening as violent protests erupted following killing of Wani in an encounter with security forces.
