NCP cautions govt., says Kashmir unrest can challenge country's unity

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to take cognizance of the ongoing unrest in Kashmir before the situation gets out of control and evolves as a challenge to the country's unity and integrity.

NCP leader Tariq Anwar said it is high time that Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh change their approach in tackling the Kashmir issue.

"Kashmir is under fire. And if the youth of Kashmir who have come out on the streets are not pacified then this can evolve as a big danger for the nation. This can challenge the unity and integrity of our country," Anwar told ANI.

"Be it Rajnath Singh or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they will have to change their approach," he added.

Speaking at a function in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday, the Home Minister while referring to the recent violence in the Kashmir Valley urged the youth to pick up books and not stones.

"Some people in order to serve their selfish motives are forcing the innocent children and youth of Kashmir to pick up stones... Is this not playing with their future? I want to tell those having such nefarious intentions not to encourage the innocents to pick up stones," said Singh.

"These children are innocent and citizens of India...If there is a problem or difficulty, it cannot be solved through demonstrations, it can be resolved only through mutual dialogue," he added.