Urgent steps needed to find political solution in J&K: Antony

Thiruvananthapurm, Aug 23 (PTI) Former Defence MinisterA K Antony today said the situation in Kashmir would "explode"and go out of hand if urgent steps were not initiated to finda solution, as he demanded that an all-party delegation beimmediately sent to the Valley. "Situation in Kashmir Valley would explode and would goout of hand if urgent steps were not initiated to find asolution", he said while releasing a book written by a groupof journalists from Kerala who visited Kashmir two years ago. "Kashmir is a volcano now. There is mistrust, fear andanger among the minds of people, especially among youths. TheCentre should intervene immediately, otherwise there would bean explosion. Things in Kashmir would become uncontrollable,"the Congress leader said. Urgent steps should be initiated for holding dialoguewith all stakeholders in the state to find a politicalsolution in the Valley, Antony said, adding that effortsshould be made to win the hearts and trust of the people inKashmir. "It is a difficult task, but we have to do that," he said. "We should regain the trust of youths, that could beachieved only through talks," he said, adding "if conventionalpaths are not suitable, other ways should be adopted and ahuman approach should be made." "Few such attempts were made when UPA was in power. But,it could not move forward," he said. "Terrorists in the Valley and people of Kashmir should notbe treated alike," he added. Referring to the situation in the Valley, which continuesto remain under curfew for the last 45 days, he said this wasfor the first time in free India that curfew continued forsuch a long period in Kashmir. The government failed to realise the seriousness of theissue in the initial stages. But they have now understood theseriousness of the situation. No one should make statementsthat vitiate the atmosphere in Kashmir. Pakistan military has so far not recognised Kashmir asa part of India and that was the root cause of the problems inthe Valley, he said. "Pakistan government and military have failed to come toterms with the reality that Jammu and Kashmir is part ofIndia… Pakistan has a major role for the present problems,"he said. Terrorists infiltrate into Kashmir with the help ofPakistan military, he charged. "In some cases terroriststrained by Pakistan military also come to India," he said. Asserting that a political solution was the only way tosolve the problems, the Congress leader said the Centre shouldsend an all-party delegation to Kashmir immediately. PTI JRKRCKIS