Former Home Minister P Chidambaram slammed the centre for 'exacerbating' the Kashmir crisis
Senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P Chidambaram today blamed the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir for the unrest in the state and said the statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have only "exacerbated" the crisis.
Mr Chidambaram said he was deeply concerned over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which according to him is "sliding into total chaos."
"The PDP-BJP government is squarely responsible for the sharp deterioration in the last 6 weeks."
Mr Chidambaram said the statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar have escalated tensions in the Kashmir valley.
"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," Mr Chidambaram added.
Mr Chidambaram said he was afraid the way out of the crisis may not 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."
Over 65 people have been killed and at least 5000 injured in violent protests in Kashmir after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.