Opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged New Delhi to wake up to the dangerous situation in Jammu and Kashmir. She alleged that there was complete lawlessness and the State government had totally lost control.
Talking to journalists here, Ms. Mufti expressed grave concern over what she called inaction of both the State and Central governments.
“For nearly three months now the entire population of Kashmir has been facing a full-fledged siege. Curfews, shootings, hartals and widespread use of force have resulted in as many as 63 deaths. But the casualties don't fully reflect the agony and pain of a society that has lost much more than its dear ones,” she said.
Ms. Mufti called upon the Centre to initiate talks. “It should start immediate and serious negotiations for a resolution of the Kashmir problem. Those questioning the status quo should be an essential part of the dialogue.”