CCG anguished over recent escalation in violence in Kashmir

Srinagar: Concerned Citizens Group (CCG) headed by former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha Tuesday expressed anguish over the recent escalation in violence in Kashmir, saying that the dialogue at appropriate political level is the only solution to Kashmir issue.
According to a statement, CCG said that “we note with deep anguish the recent escalation in violence in Kashmir. This has led to avoidable loss of civilian lives as well as that of security force personnel.”
“What is worse is that the violence shows no signs of abating. In fact, it is being stoked further by unrestrained public statements by various actors and the talk of revenge. It is also evident that despite being aware of the futility of picking up arms, an increasing number of desperate youngsters are joining the ranks of militants,” the statement added.
“At this critical juncture, when an entire generation of young Kashmiris finds itself at cross-roads, we would like to urge everyone concerned to step back from the conflict,” CCG said.
Notably, the CCG include Yashwant Sinha, former External Affairs and Finance Minister, Rajmohan Gandhi, Author, A. P. Shah, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Wajahat Habibullah, former Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, Vappala Balachandran, former Special Secretary, cabinet secretariat, Govt. of India, KapilKak, Air-vice Marshal (Retd), KC Singh, former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Bharat Bhushan, Journalist, Sushobha Barve, Executive Secretary, Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation.
“While picking up arms by the militants is bound to attract the use of force against them by the State, intensifying the confrontation can only worsen the situation. The solution to the present crisis in J&K lies in dialogue at the appropriate political level. Only by winning the hearts and minds of the people can their faith in the political process be restored,” the CCG added. (KNS)