'End environment of distrust' in Kashmir: Shiv Sena urges Centre

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to bring an end to the environment of distrust in the valley, the Shiv Sena on Sunday said Pakistan is through the separatists trying to make Kashmir the main focus of all issues.

Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande said that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti should have met the separatists much earlier.

"The situation in Kashmir is deteriorating day by day. The only relief at such time is that the curfew has been lifted from the valley. Mehbooba, who has called the separatist leaders for talks, should have taken this step much earlier," said Kayande.

"As of now, there is an environment of distrust in Kashmir and it seems like all the political parties are trying to pull out their agenda. There are many problems, which need to be addressed and because of them the whole episode is becoming complicated. So, I would request Modi Government to take major steps in this regard," he added.

Mehbooba has written to the separatist leadership requesting them to "take a lead and engage" with the delegation, "which will be the start of a credible and meaningful political dialogue and resolution process."

Expressing hope that the separatists would accept her offer, she wrote: "My party has always believed that the Hurriyat Conference is a stakeholder in the peace... and prosperity of the state."

Meanwhile, an all-party delegation, led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, arrived in Srinagar today for an assessment of the situation due to the unrest in the valley.

During the two-day visit, the delegation will interact with Governor N.N. Vohra and the Chief Minister besides holding meetings with the representatives of all political parties and others.

Kashmir has been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 with curfew continuing in parts of the valley for the 58th day today.