Chidambaram expects Jammu and Kashmir peace dialogue to re-start soon

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday expressed hope that the government would be able to reach out to protesters in Kashmir Valley soon to pull the state out of the vicious cycle of stone-pelting.

Addressing Director Generals of Police and Inspector Generals of Police of different States at their annual conference here, Chidamabaram said: " I hoped that in the next few days, we would be able to find that elusive starting point from where we could reach out to the protesters, reassure them of their rights and dignity, restore peace and order redeem the promises made and restart the process of dialogue that will lead to a solution."

"We are concerned that we have not been able to stop the vicious cycle in which the state is caught,' he said.

He said the security forces, however, have been instructed to act with great restraint.'

Chidambaram said at the beginning of 2005 and with the exception of 2008, the law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been extremely benign with few incidents and fewer casualties.

This year 516,970 tourists have visited the Valley and that number also exceeded the 355,960 tourists of last year

But since June this year, there has been an unexpected turn of events, he said.

Chidambaram said through 2009 and in the first eight months of 2010, the security situation was severely challenged by forces inimical both within and outside the country.

"Contrary to perceptions in a section of the media - and consequently, among sections of the people - the Indian state has been able to stand up to these challenges and face them with confidence and courage," he said. (ANI)