Spurt in Kashmir violence unfortunate: Azad

Srinagar, Apr 17 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today termed ''unfortunate'' the recent spurt in violence in the Valley, but lauded the security forces and the police for their success in apprehending the militants responsible for seven grenade explosions in the summer capital of the state on April 14.

''The security forces and the police need to be congratulated. I had given them 24 hours to crack the case, but they did it in only 12 hours and everybody was caught,'' he told reporters after taking salute of the recruits at the passing out parade at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Training Centre in Humhama near here.

Mr Azad termed unfortunate the sudden increase in violence in the Valley during the past few days.

He said the people of the state, particularly the Kashmir valley, have realised and risen to the occasion in expressing resentment and raised their voice over such incidents.

''We are expecting a large number of tourist arrivals this year.

Any such act by the militants is going to affect us adversely. The need of the hour is that the people will have to rise to the occasion and oppose such acts,'' the Chief Minister said.

He said surveillance and other security measures will be upgraded in the coming days to check violence.

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