Press Trust of India
Srinagar, July 31: Amid the unrest in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Sunday said violence cannot resolve any issue and dialogue is the only way forward. She also said there was an “issue in the minds” of the people and it needs to be addressed. “Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) used to say bullets and grenades cannot solve issues. Gun has not changed anything. There is no way out other than dialogue,” Mehbooba said. Referring to the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley, she said everyone should “feel the pain” of the future generation.
“Those who have other ideology should also feel the pain of the younger generation getting affected. What do you want to achieve by this (violence)? What Azadi (freedom), what Pakistan or what India,” she said. Mehbooba said the security forces have been able to contain the situation but there was an issue in the minds of the people which needs to be addressed. “We brought in security forces and they contained the situation. But there is an issue which is in the minds. It has to be addressed,” she added. The Chief Minister also spoke about destruction of public property during the clashes after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Bhurhan Wani July 8 saying it was a setback to development process. “Why attack police stations, court and other buildings. We will have to rebuild them later,” she said.
Mehbooba faces protest
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had to beat a hasty retreat Sunday from an examination centre at Women’s College here after angry parents protested against her visit. She went to Women’s College on Maulana Azad Road to check the arrangements for the pre-medical and pre-engineering test being conducted by the Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) in various centres. As soon as her cavalcade reached the examination centre, the people, mostly parents who accompanied their wards, protested against her visit. “This is an unnecessary visit. It will only disturb the candidates,” a parent said. Another person said while the candidates were already tensed due to the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley, the Chief Minister’s visit would disturb them more. “How will they remain focused?” he asked. As the people protested against her visit and raised slogans, the Chief Minister beat a hasty retreat and left the venue.
