All-party delegation for Kashmir talks soon: Rajnath

Srinagar, Aug 25  Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said an all-party delegation will arrive in Jammu and Kashmir soon to hold talks on how to resolve the ongoing unrest in the valley that has claimed nearly 70 lives so far.

"We have decided that an all-party delegation will arrive for talks over Kashmir. I have asked the state government to make all preparations for that," the Home Minister told reporters here at the end of his two-day visit to the valley.

On the issue of pellet guns that has been widely criticised for the numerous injuries to protesters, including blindings, Rajnath Singh said the government will decide "within a few days" on an alternative method for mob control.

"Experts have made their suggestions. Within a few days we will find an alternative to the pellet guns," he said, addressing the media along with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

The Home Minister's second visit to the valley in a month came as Kashmir is battling the deadliest unrest in six years. At least 67 civilians have been killed and thousands injured in firing by security forces. Most of the injuries have been caused by pellet guns that have left hundreds partially or fully blinded.

Two policemen have also died in the unending cycle of violence raging in the valley for the past nearly seven weeks.

The Home Minister said he had asked security forces in Kashmir "to exercise restraint" while dealing with protesters.