By IANS,
New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has said that elements instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir must be identified and brought to book and the state government should continue to push the development agenda as this would bring jobs and livelihood opportunities.
In her letter to Congresspersons in the latest issue of Sandesh, the mouthpiece of the party, Gandhi said the party was pained by the upsurge in violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
“My deepest condolences to those who were killed in this mindless violence. I understand there were elements with ulterior motives that were instigating these attacks. These elements must be brought to book and identified,” she said.
Gandhi said the state government’s endeavour was to do everything to restore normal life.
The Congress is part of the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir along with the National Conference.
Referring to the foreign-minister level talks with Pakistan, Gandhi said it was important to engage the western neighbour to address outstanding issues, particularly cross-border terrorism.
Violence again swept through the Kashmir Valley Monday, claiming the lives of eight people, including six in police firing on angry mobs, taking the toll in the new wave of violence since Friday to 22. Embattled Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met central government leaders in New Delhi and sought help, including more troopers, in tackling the worsening situation.