PM concerned over Kashmir situation, emphasises on dialogue

New Delhi, Aug 22 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Moditoday expressed "deep pain" and concern over the prevailingsituation in Kashmir Valley and emphasised on the need fordialogue to find a lasting solution within the framework ofthe Constitution. He told a delegation of opposition leaders of Jammu andKashmir that those who lost their lives during the recentdisturbances are a "part of us" and it is a matter of"distress" whether the lives lost are of "our youth, securitypersonnel or police," official sources said. The Prime Minister said his government stands with thestate of Jammu and Kashmir and suggested that all politicalparties should reach out to the people and convey the same. During the meeting with the delegation led by formerChief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Prime Minister expressed"deep concern and pain" at the prevailing situation in thestate and appealed for restoration of normalcy in the Valleywhich has been witnessing unrest for the last 44 days. "We need to find a permanent and lasting solution to theproblem within the framework of the Constitution," the PrimeMinister said. Modi emphasised on the need for all political parties towork together to find a solution to the problems of the stateof Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said. He also expressed his commitment to the development ofthe state. Earlier in the day, a delegation led by NC leader OmarAbdullah had called on the Prime Minister and appealed that apolitical approach needs to be adopted for resolving thepresent crisis in the Valley and to ensure that the "mistakes"of the past are not repeated. Kashmir has been witnessing unrest since the killing ofHizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.PTI AKKDV