A Cold reception in seething Valley for Home Minister

Union home minister Rajnath Singh arrived here on Wednesday with an open invitation to all Kashmiris for talks. He issued no exclusive invitation to anybody, but tweeted, “I will be staying at the Nehru Guest House. Those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat are welcome…Shall interact with civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders.”
Meanwhile, the toll in the 47-day unrest rose to 70 on Wednesday after the death of one more youth, 18-year-old Aamir Mir, in Pulwama. Forty others were injured in clashes with security forces. The day also saw militants throw a grenade and fire at the police and a CRPF patrol in the afternoon ahead of a pro-azadi rally. Eighteen people, including three police officers and several CRPF men, were injured.
In response to Singh’s overture, Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the Centre should open a dialogue with all stakeholders, including Pakistan. He said the government had the habit of blaming the separatists, Pakistan or traitors for the problem and never the establishment.
On the other hand, hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani said it was unacceptable for talks on Kashmir to be held within the framework of the Indian Constitution. “We don’t accept the Indian Constitution at all,” Geelani, under house arrest, added in a telephone address to supporters.
Civil society and trade body representatives ignored a state government invite to meet Rajnath. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) chairman Mushtaq Ahmad told TOI they boycotted the meeting as they saw no change on the ground during the 47 days of unrest. “Pellets are being used, civilian killings are continuing, so at this minister or official will be unnecessary,” he added.
This is Rajnath’s second visit to the valley since violence erupted on July 9, following the killing of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani. J&K Congress chief G A Mir said a delegation of the party called on Singh and apprised him of the turbulent situation. The delegation also sought an immediate ban on pellet guns and other lethal weapons for controlling the protesters, Mir said.
Meanwhile, curfew was lifted from uptown Srinagar and light traffic was visible. However, a few areas remained under curfew, like other parts of the valley. Rioters tried to defy curfew at various places, but the attempts were foiled.