Omar reacts to reports of rise in militancy, says force doesn’t always work

Srinagar, Oct 24: Reacting to reports that despite there has been an increase in local youth joining militancy in the valley, former chief minister Omar Abdullah has said 'force doesn't always work'. He said this (rise in militancy) explains the appointment of an interlocutor by the Centre for initiating dialogue with all stakeholders in the state. “This would explain yesterday’s announcement of an interlocutor. Force doesn’t always work,” Mr Abdullah, who is also working president of National Conference, tweeted on Monday. Mr Abdullah further asked how does one “bring peace and stability” without resolving the political issues that gave rise to the violence. The NC working president was responding to comments made by in-charge of BJP's national Information & Technology Amit Malviya that "Kashmir dialogues are purely to bring peace and stability in the valley." “Centre announces an interlocutor to engage with stakeholders in J&K. Will keep an open mind & wait to see results of the dialogue process,” Mr Abdullah said, adding that the “legitimate aspirations” of people of J&K is an interesting formulation. But, he asked who is going to decide what is legitimate. He further questioned the fate of National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into terror funding case in which over a dozen people, including seven separatists leaders, have been detained for past about three months. “What does this mean for the NIA investigation in J&K? Will investigation be suspended to facilitate dialogue with detained Hurriyat leaders.” “The acceptance of the political nature of the Kashmir issue is a resounding defeat of those who could only see use of force as a solution,” he added. UNI