Everyone in Kashmir is not a stone pelter, says Mehbooba Mufti

Under fire for mishandling the situation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday put up a brave face, asserting that all Kashmiris are not stone throwers.

"Some of our youth are disillusioned, some are annoyed and some are instigated. Everyone in Kashmir is not a stone-pelter. Everyone is not shouting slogans. Our children are excelling in the field of education and sports," Mehbooba told reporters after inspecting the guard of honour during the bi- annual Darbar move (the shifting of government headquarters to summer capital city of Srinagar.

Terming the situation 'serious', Mehbooba, however, noted that it is not that it cannot be solved. "I have seen so much in my life. In 1996 you could not come out of your home not to talk of election campaigning and going to any area," she said.

Mehbooba also requested national media to play a constructive role in minimising the divide between sections of the society and act as a guide and a beacon to show the right path to the government and the people whenever they deflect from their objective.

"The media, particularly national media, should not to harp on negativities, but instead focus on the similarities and help in reducing tensions and acrimony among people," she said.

Calling Jammu and Kashmir a jewel in the crown of India, Mehbooba said youth have the whole canvas of the country available to display their talent in whatever field they take the plunge. "Education is a movement which leads a society from darkness towards light," she said.