J&K CM Mehbooba visits victims' families; seeks public help to end violence

Srinagar, Jul 23: Hitting out at elements who were "glorifying" the killings in Kashmir and "playing politics over graves", Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said they never bother to look back at the victims' families and sought public cooperation to end violence which has "only brought destruction to the state."

Visiting the affected families in Kupwara and offering them all possible help, she said, "I am pained to see that all these victim families belong to the poorest of poor sections of the society."

Violence has only brought destruction to our state and left behind a trail of tragedies in the shape of hundreds of orphans, destitutes and widows who are living a miserable life because of lack of any institutionalised support, she said.

She said those who were "glorifying these killings" and "playing politics over the graves" of the poor youth, never bother to look back at the plight of the victims' families once the things settle down.

Whenever economic activities start picking up in Kashmir with an increase in tourist arrivals as had happened this year, several quarters with vested interests gang up to orchestrate another spate of deadly violence and push the people towards further economic deprivation, she said.

The Chief Minister stressed that violence hits every aspect of the local economy with tourism and education being main targets, an official spokesman said.

She alleged that there were reports of "educational migration" with many affluent families preferring the educational institutions outside the state for their children.

"People have to ponder over what is going on and who is getting hurt the most because of such situations. If there is peace, there will be development, tourism, employment and people will lead a happy and prosperous life," she said.

The PDP leader hailed people from various sections of the society for reaching out to the needy during the violence.

She commended the dedication of doctors, paramedical staff, nurses, ambulance drivers, community relief organisations and individuals who put in their best efforts to help the affected people.

Seeking public cooperation in restoration of normalcy in the Valley, Mehbooba appealed the youth and their parents to help the government in restoring peace. Life in the Valley has been paralysed since July 9, a day after the Hizbul Mujahideen commander was killed in an encounter with security forces.

As many as 45 persons have been killed and over 3,400 others injured in the clashes between protesters and security forces following Wani's killing.

PTI