PM concerned over Kashmir situation, emphasises on dialogue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed "deep pain" and concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley and emphasised on the need for dialogue to find a lasting solution within the framework of the Constitution.

He told a delegation of opposition leaders of Jammu and Kashmir that those who lost their lives during the recent disturbances are a "part of us" and it is a matter of "distress" whether the lives lost are of "our youth, security personnel or police," official sources said.

The Prime Minister said his government stands with the state of Jammu and Kashmir and suggested that all political parties should reach out to the people and convey the same.

During the meeting with the delegation led by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Prime Minister expressed "deep concern and pain" at the prevailing situation in the state and appealed for restoration of normalcy in the Valley which has been witnessing unrest for the last 44 days.

"There has to be dialogue and (rpt) there has to be dialogue and we need to find a permanent and lasting solution to the problem within the framework of the Constitution," the Prime Minister said.

Modi emphasised on the need for all political parties to work together to find a solution to the problems of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said.

He also expressed his commitment to the development of the state.

Earlier in the day, a delegation led by NC leader Omar Abdullah had called on the Prime Minister and appealed that a political approach needs to be adopted for resolving the present crisis in the Valley and to ensure that the "mistakes" of the past are not repeated.

Kashmir has been witnessing unrest since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.