Lok Sabha resolves for peace in restive Kashmir

The Lok Sabha on Friday unanimously expressed concern over the "deteriorating" situation in Jammu and Kashmir and resolved to restore peace and confidence of the people and youths in particular.

"This house expresses its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir Valley (and) conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation," Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said, reading from the resolution.

The house is of the "firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security", she said.

"It is equally imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people".

The resolution appealed "to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir and India to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony, and unanimously resolves to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular".

"I hope the house agrees," the Speaker said and members expressed their concurrence by thumping the desks in unison.

Earlier, leader of the Congress in the house Mallikarjaun Kharge suggested that in view of the turmoil in the state, the house should pass a resolution.

Responding to him, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the upper house had earlier this week passed a similar resolution and the government was more than willing to pass one such resolution in the lower house too.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani were also present among other senior members.

The Kashmir Valley is on the boil for the past five weeks after the killing of rebel commander Burhan Wani. At least 56 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters since July 8.

The valley has been under a security lockdown amid shutdown call by separatist leaders. Educational institutes, shops, businesses and offices have remained closed since the unrest erupted.

--IANS

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