New Delhi: Vested interests wanting to keep Kashmir "on the boil" are behind the current disturbances in the Valley, Union Minister and President of National Conference Farooq Abdullah said on Wednesday and expressed confidence that local police is competent enough to tackle the situation.
"There are lots of interested people who are doing these things. They want the place to boil so that there is an upheaval. We have to face these things," Abdullah said while reacting to widespread violence in the Valley following the recovery of a body of 20-year-old student who had been missing for the last few days.
At least 45 persons, including seven policemen, were injured and over a dozen vehicles damaged in incidents of violence bringing normal life to a standstill in the Valley.
The former Chief Minister said, "The local police are competent enough to tackle the law and order situation."
Giving details of various incidents leading to violence such as Shopian and disappearance of some persons, Abdullah said, "There is a vested interest which wants to keep the state on the boil and they should be dealt with strongly."
Demanding stern action against those responsible for these crimes, Congress leader Saifuddin Soz said, "The culprits and these killers have to be found and punished as early as possible."