Opposition delegation from Jammu & Kashmir to meet Modi

The delegation led by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference will apprise Modi of the ground situation in the state, which is in the grip of a prolonged spell of violence and lockdown since the gunning down of militant commander Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8, and highlight the plight of Kashmiri people. 

The delegation will include CPI-M MLA Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami, state Congress President GA Mir, senior leaders of National Conference and some Independent MLAs. Sources in the Opposition parties that would comprise the delegation said it would request the Prime Minister to impress upon the state government to stop dealing with the situation ‘administratively’ as it was leading to ‘unprecedented disaffection’, especially among the youth. It would underscore the need to initiate a ‘credible and meaningful’ dialogue with ‘all stakeholders’ to bring an end to the unrest without ‘further waste of time’, sources said.

 The delegation would bring up the issue of use of pellet guns by security forces which has caused injuries to civilians on a large scale and pitch for an end to ‘mass harassment, raids and arrests’ as these have worsened an already volatile situation in the state.