Sonia Gandhi urges Kashmiri people to shun violence and embrace peace

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday urged people of Kashmir to shun the path of confrontation and embrace peace. She also expressed anguish over the loss of 47 lives in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the valley.

After the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the valley has seen violent clashes since July 8.

“While expressing anguish over the loss of lives and grievous injuries caused to people, Gandhi appealed the people to shun the path of confrontation and maintain calm,” a Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman said here.

Sonia made the statement during a meeting with JKPCC chief G A Mir, who had called on her at her residence in Delhi today, the spokesman said in a statement.

Kashmir remains fragile, though curfew was today lifted in the state, barring Anantnag town, as the situation improved. Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed while public transport vehicles remained off roads.