New Delhi,
Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and requested him to take a “serious political initiative” to resolve the Kashmir issue as unabated civilian killings were dangerously leading to “turmoil and instability in the state”.

During the meeting, Farooq apprised Rajnath of the “grim situation” in the Valley and requested him that the government should reach out to the youths and take steps to arrest the spurt among local youths joining militant ranks.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, the NC leader said: “The spate of civilian killings is unacceptable and it risks pushing the Valley to a dangerous precipice of turmoil and further instability. I urge the Central government to take decisive measures to prevent the loss of innocent, precious lives in Kashmir and initiate a sustainable, effective and serious political initiative to stop widespread alienation and disenchantment in the Valley.”

Expressing concern over the civilian killings and deteriorating situation in the Valley, the Lok Sabha member from Srinagar said the number of local youths joining militant ranks was unprecedented after the early 1990s. He said this ongoing trend was only increasing with each passing day.

Noting that a “purely military or operational approach to deal with the situation would be futile”, Farooq said: “This is a crucial time and requires political handling from both Central and state governments.”

He went on to add that the “mounting casualties” suffered by the security forces and personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were also a “matter of grief and concern” and that he stood in solidarity with the families of those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.