Kashmir unrest: Security forces must stop killing protesters, says J&K ex-CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he told the Centre that violence in the Valley will not end till the security forces do not exercise maximum restraint and stop killing protestors.

"HM @rajnathsingh ji spoke to me earlier today. I told him that until security forces exercise maximum restraint & stop killing protestors...This vicious cycle of violence would not stop (sic)," Omar wrote on twitter.

He said the Valley can be pulled out of the current situation only after the use of lethal force is stopped.

"Only after the lethal use of force ends can we begin to pull the valley back from the abyss," he said.

The opposition National Conference working president, who assured of all help in normalising the situation, maintained that the onus lies on the state and central governments.

"For our part @JKNC will play what ever role is required to help normalise the situation. But onus lies on state & central governments," he wrote.

"In the meantime, proper medical treatment to the injured must be ensured & hospitals adequately stocked with all necessary supplies," he added.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reached out to opposition leaders, including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Omar Abdullah, and discussed the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley.

During the telephonic conversation with Gandhi and Omar, Rajnath discussed with them efforts to bring back peace and normalcy in the Valley, which is on the boil after the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani on Friday.