Dialogue only way to end violence in Kashmir, not weapons: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Congress leader and Member of Parliament Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday urged the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government to work in tandem to tackle the crisis in the valley and urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is currently on a two-day visit to Kashmir to not only talk with all stakeholders, but also with representatives of non-mainstream parties and youth.

"I hope the Home Minister will not only hold discussions with mainstream political parties, but also hold talks with non-state political parties, stakeholders and different communities," Azad said.

The senior Congress leader also said there is a need for dialogue to end the violence in the Valley, not weapons.

He said, " A lot of bloodshed has taken place, many have been injured, including security forces and civilians. Many young ones became victims to pellet guns. Hence, in order to take control of the situation, instead of using guns and bullets, dialogue should be adopted."

On Wednesday, the Congress Party, the National Conference and the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP)-led delegation met Rajnath Singh and discussed the situation in the valley.

Earlier this week, a joint delegation of Kashmir opposition parties, led by former chief minister Omar Abdullah, had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his deep concern and pain over the situation.

Prime Minister Modi has asked all political parties to work together to find a permanent and lasting solution to the problems in the state.