Violence in Kashmir coming from across the border: Manohar Parrikar

Washington: The Indian government has been 'pro-active' in resolving the situation in the Kashmir valley and the violence is 'coming from across the border', Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said at a joint press conference with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.

Manohar Parrikar. Pic/AFP

"Government of India has been very pro active... It is more of violence that comes from across the border," Parrikar said on Monday in response to a question on the situation in Kashmir.

"Curfew is already lifted. An all-party team is also going. Kashmir is having a government that is democratically elected and Chief Minister (Mehbooba Mufti) belongs to the valley. You must have seen her press conference (where she said) that small percentage is holding the majority at ransom," Parrikar said.

His comments come as a separatist shutdown continued in Kashmir on Tuesday despite relaxation of curfew in the Valley.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will reach Srinagar on September 4 heading an all-party delegation which will hold meetings with local leaders with an aim to bring a halt to the unrest in the Valley.

Separatists have extended their protest shutdown call up to September 1 asking people not to resume normal activities.

Despite lifting of curfew, major markets remained closed on Tuesday and there was no public transport plying on roads in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Valley.

For the last 53 days, all educational institutions have also remained closed.

So far, 71 people, including 68 civilians and three policemen, have been killed and over 11,000 injured in the unrest that sparked off on July 9.