Crisis in Kashmir deep-rooted: RSP MP

The crisis in Jammu and Kashmir is deep-rooted and the only way out is a political solution, said a MP who was part of the all-party delegation to the state led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Speaking to IANS just before flying out to Delhi, RSP MP N.K. Premachandran said that he returned from New Delhi on Tuesday morning but has been called back to the national capital take part in the meeting to be chaired by Rajnath Singh to prepare their report on their two day visit to Kashmir.

"The trip was hectic and from what I have been to gauge is that things are not smooth in Kashmir. The crisis is deep-rooted and the only way out is a political solution," said Premachandran who represents the Kollam Lok Sabha seat.

He said that a power point presentation on the crisis was made by Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, who joined the famed Centre for Development Studies here in 1983 as an M.Phil candidate and went on to do his Phd programme at the same institute in 1986).

"One serious problem today in Kashmir is that hitherto the struggles was all led by identified groups and leaders, but today, that's not the case, as there are lots of unidentified leaders who are leading the protests. This is a dangerous thing," said Premachandran, who was a state minister during 2006-11.

He said former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was critical of the central government's handling of the Kashmir issue.

"He said, in 2010 also (when widespread unrest and violence took place) a similar exercise was done, but nothing came out of it. The issue is serious and now the Union government has to draw out a plan of action to solve the issue..." said Premachandran, hinting at serious consequences if this is not done.

--IANS

sg/vd