Federal Home Home Rajnath Singh yesterday called for “maximum restraint” in Jammu and Kashmir after weeks of clashes between protesters and security forces that left scores dead.
At least 49 people have been killed in clashes following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 in a gunfight with security forces.
Speaking at the end of a two-day visit to the state Singh said he was concerned about the violence and called on both sides to ease tensions.
“I am worried about the situation here, so is our prime minister,” Singh told reporters after meeting with business, government and other groups during the visit.
“I have asked the security forces to exercise maximum restraint.”
Singh also urged residents to refrain from violence.
More than 5,500 people including 2,259 civilians, have been injured in the latest clashes, including scores who were shot in the eyes with pellets by troopers and may have been blinded.
One more protester injured during earlier fighting died in a hospital yesterday, taking the death toll to 49.
Large parts of the state remained under a security lockdown for the 16th day as mobile phone and Internet networks remained suspended.
Singh accused Pakistan of inflaming violence in the state after Islamabad announced a “black day” to show solidarity with Kashmir residents living under Indian rule.
“Pakistan is itself a sufferer of terrorism and they should not instigate Kashmiri youth to pick up arms. This should stop,” Singh said.
The clashes are the deadliest in Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were staged against Indian rule.
The minister said New Delhi was ready for talks that will help bring “peace and normalcy” in the state.
He said he met at least 13 delegations during his stay in Srinagar and asked them “to help the government with constructive suggestions in bringing peace and normalcy.”
“If there are differences of opinion, those can be resolved through dialogue.”
Asked if the government was ready to talk to separatist leaders, Singh didn’t rule it out but said normalcy was the priority.
“Let us first ensure normalcy. Then, we can decide whether we talk to separatists or any other group.”
Earlier in the day former chief minister Omar Abdullah told Singh Kashmir needed a political solution and not economic packages.
Abdullah told reporters he put forward some suggestions on how to control the violent unrest in the state.
“But we also told him that unless some long-term measures are taken,” the Kashmir issue will continue to burn, he said.
“First of all, we have to accept that Jammu and Kashmir is not an issue of money. You cannot solve it by sending (economic) packages. It is not an issue of gun either. The gun has, of course, played a role in this issue. But fundamentally, it is not an issue related to the gun,” he said.
He said he explained to Singh that “Kashmir is fundamentally a political problem.”
“And till we accept that, we cannot a find a solution to it.”
The National Conference leader said his party leaders told Singh that the central government should “muster courage” and accept the reality of the Kashmir issue.
“Then you can involve people with different opinions.Talk to them. Bring in all stakeholders within the ambit of dialogue and arrive at a solution that is acceptable to all.”


Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives for a press conference at an air force base in Srinagar yesterday.