Kashmir violence: Sonia Gandhi speaks to Rajnath, discusses situation
New Delhi: With Kashmir on the boil over the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said there can be no compromise on matters relating to national security even as she voiced anguish over the loss of lives in the clashes.
She also noted that the political process has made many gains in Jammu and Kashmir particularly over the last two decades and "these must not get lost."
In a statement, she maintained that there can be "no compromise" on matters relating to national security and that terrorism must be dealt with firmly.
"Even so, the death of so many of our citizens and attack on security forces is very painful", she said.
Read: Kashmir violence: Death toll rises to 25, curfew extended to more parts
In an appeal to people of the Valley, she asked them to allow political parties find "durable and enduring ways of fulfilling their aspirations meaningfully in a peaceful and democratic manner."
Clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir following the killing of Wani in an encounter on Friday has left 24 people dead.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad also voiced concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Valley where, he said, "irreparable collateral damage" has taken place.
A former J&K Chief Minister, Azad said the need of the hour is to ensure that law and order is restored at theearliest without any further loss of lives.
The Congress General Secretary expressed grief over the loss of lives in the violence in various parts of Kashmir Valley.
Azad also wished speedy recovery for more than 200 civilians and security personnel injured in the violence.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reached out to opposition leaders including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and discussed the prevailing situation there.
Read: Amid Kashmir clashes, Omar Abdullah assures Mehbooba Mufti of support
During the telephonic conversation with Gandhi and National Conference leader Omar, the Home Minister discussed with them efforts to bring back peace and normalcy in Kashmir Valley, which is witnessing violent protests after killing of militant leader Burhan Wani on Friday, official sources said.
The Home Minister's discussions with Gandhi and Omar, who ruled Jammu and Kashmir between 2009 and 2015, are believed to be an attempt by the central government to take opposition leaders into confidence.
Omar had said on Sunday that his party was ready to contribute towards maintaining peace in Kashmir but Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should take the lead in showing the way.
Singh is also speaking to other opposition leaders on the Kashmir situation, sources said.
The Home Minister has already spoken at least twice to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured her all central assistance to tackle the violent protests, which so far claimed 23 lives.
Rajnath also reviewed the Kashmir situation for the second time in as many days and instructed officials to do the needful to bring back normalcy in the state.
