Valley situation better, says Cong

The Congress on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the “improvement in the situation” in Kashmir in the past few days even as it stressed the need for a “human touch” to reach out to the people.

The Congress on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the “improvement in the situation” in Kashmir in the past few days even as it stressed the need for a “human touch” to reach out to the people.

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The statement will boost the sagging morale of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who has come under criticism for his handling of the current crisis. Omar had earlier secured a reprieve from Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi who said the CM should be given “time and support” to tackle a “tough and sensitive job”.

As many as 110 people have died in the Valley in the cycle of violence that broke on June 11 with the killing of a teenager.

At the meeting of the steering committee — as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is called before its reconstitution — party chief Sonia Gandhi expressed sorrow over the lives lost in Kashmir and welcomed the Centre’s recent initiatives to restore normalcy there.

The meeting, also attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, discussed the appointment of interlocutors on Kashmir to hold talks with different shades of opinion in the state.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram briefed the committee on the situation in Kashmir, especially after the visit of an all-party delegation last month.

The members expressed satisfaction that the political steps being taken by the Centre have started showing results.

The meeting also decided to call an All India Congress Committee (AICC) session before Diwali during which the elections for the CWC will be held.