Home Minister's statement after attack on Hurriyat leader

Home Minister P Chidambaram has expressed deep distress at the attack on Hurriyat leader Fazl Qureshi and has said the Centre remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.

The following is the full text of the Home Minister's statement:


I am deeply distressed by the attack yesterday on Shri Fazal Haq Qureshi, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.  He is now battling for his life in a hospital.  My prayers as well as those of all peace loving people are with him and his family, and we sincerely hope that he will recover.

The attack on Shri Qureshi was a cowardly attempt by those who do not wish that the problems of Jammu and Kashmir should be resolved through talks and in a peaceful manner.  These are the elements which, in the past, have pushed Jammu and Kashmir to the brink of a crisis.  It is also clear that these elements act at the behest of forces that are inimical to India.  

The correct response at this hour is not to be cowed down by these violent acts or allow fear to interrupt the process of quiet talks and quiet diplomacy.  I am happy to read the statements of the Mirwaiz and others who have vowed to continue their efforts to find a peaceful resolution through talks with the Government of India.  On our part, I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we remain committed to finding a solution through quiet talks with every shade of political opinion in Jammu and Kashmir.

I once again pray for the full recovery of Shri Fazal Haq Qureshi.

(P Chidambaram)