Use of force will not solve Kashmir problem: PDP

Maintaining the use of force would not solve the Kashmir problem, the opposition PDP today said it would organise rallies in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu on February 14 to press for an early resolution of the vexed issue.
    
"The Kashmir problem cannot be resolved through repression or use of force," PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti told a party meeting here.
      
"The PDP will press for an early resolution of the festering problem. In this connection, massive rallies are planned in Srinagar and Jammu on February 14," she said.
      
The people have suffered for decades on account of political instability that has affected the economy of the state and left deep scars of pain on almost every family, the PDP head said.
          
After last summer's peaceful demonstrations that resulted in disruptions and deaths, it was hoped the centre would initiate meaningful measures for permanently resolving the problem, she said.
    
"Instead of doing that, only security measures have been further tightened without providing any relief to the common man or even taking any action on its own eight-point programme," Mehbooba said.
         
"Jammu and Kashmir is fast turning into a complete police state with the administration contacting the people through force, arrest and torture," she said.