Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) working president Omar Abdullah on Monday called for an end to “lethal use of force” to stop the cycle of violence triggered by killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani three days ago.
“This vicious cycle of violence would not stop. Only after the lethal use of force ends can we begin to pull the valley back from the abyss,” tweeted Mr. Abdullah.
Commenting on the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s call, Mr. Abdullah wrote, “Rajnath Singh ji spoke to me earlier today. I told him that until security forces exercise maximum restraint & stop killing protesters (sic).”
Mr. Abdullah was critical of handling of the situation by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. “More than anyone else I know what you're going through @MehboobaMufti & I can assure you that we will follow your lead but lead YOU must. (sic)”
“Please don't take the easy option of hiding behind your spokesperson & your police officers. No one elected them, the people elected you.”
