Srinagar, Oct 19: Asserting that stray incidents of violence would not alter the government's determination of restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said his 'healing touch philosophy' had neither failed nor would his government give it up. "This (healing touch policy) is the fundamental philosophy of the coalition government and would continue to heal the wounds of the people," he told news agencies here.

He said in fact the healing touch philosophy had been instrumental in changing the mindset of the people and contributed towards over all relaxation and normalcy in the valley. Our strategy has the endorsement of the entire nation and there is no question of abandoning it, Sayeed said.
The Chief Minister blamed vested interests within and outside the state to keep the situation uncertain saying they are creating roadblocks on our path towards peace but they would not succeed, not as much because of the government but of the people who are the real strength.
Dialogue is the essence of democracy and the basis of solving problems, howsoever, intricate they might be, he said, adding that was the reason why he had been asking Prime Minister to continue to engage people and also Pakistan for a meaningful dialogue.

Ruling out any lapse on the part of security forces in the attack near his residence on Friday, he said in fact security forces and the police had done a commendable job not only in killing the militants but also preventing any loss of life or damage to property of civilians.

Bureau Report