Need a political solution to end violence in Kashmir: PM

“ I understand the pain of those who have lost their loved ones. Those out on the streets have only seen violence,” Singh said at the meet.

While he backed on the need for forces in the Valley,Singh said that economic options needed to be created for the people of Kashmir. There should be jobs for youths,he said.

“ Political parties must come together for a solution. We need long-term peace for a solution. All parties irrespective of their political leanings must come forth,” he said.

He also stressed on the importance of holding local body elections in the Valley.

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s appeal,the Valley’s main main Opposition PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said peace in Kashmir is essential but an economic package can only work if the people can live with dignity. The PDP had abstained from the meet.

She said the Valley’s request for an all-party meet took one and a half months to become a reality.

Last Thursday,the BJP had asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to convene an all-party meet to discuss the disturbing situation in Kashmir and find means to allay fears. The Opposition party had also said no steps should be taken to demoralise security forces there.

Earlier,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram had asked Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to hold an all-party meet in Kashmir. But this was contested by the main Opposition People’s Democratic Party. Leaders from the Valley were more amenable to a meeting in the Capital.