Kashmir is an integral part of India and there is no discussion and negotiation on it, Mr Naidu said.

“We are really surprised that some people are trying to support to so called protestors who are sympathizing with the terrorist. He is a Hizbul Mujahideen commander, how can any Indian have sympathy for such people?” he said.

He said the crisis in Kashmir was “not a sudden development” and added “Kashmir issue has been there for long. We also have to find a long term solution and terrorism and violence is not acceptable in whatever form and whoever carries it out.

“As far as the government is concerned, we are very clear that the government will not tolerate any such activities. But you can’t have a overnight or readymade solution to such a long standing issue. The government is trying to deal with that,” he said.

India is a democratic country and will adopt democratic methods, he added.

Hoping that normalcy will be brought back at the earliest, Mr Naidu said, “There is an elected government in the state. Central government is extending all the support to the state government. Centre and state will together tackle the situation. I am confident that the situation will be brought to normalcy at the earliest.”

He said the focus should be more on development.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focusing on the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He has visited Jammu and Kashmir a number of times in two years. The Centre also announced a big package for the state,” he said.

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh also hoped that situation would be normal soon and said people should trust the government.

“All of us should trust the government of India. Our honourable Home Minister is keeping a close eye on the sequence of events and there is absolute coordination between the state government, the government of India and the security agencies. And I am sure that situation is going to come back to normal very soon,” Mr Singh said.

“Having said that, I will also like, through you, to reassure the members of the minority Kashmiri Pandit community that they are safe. There were some incidents of stone pelting on the first day, but now all minorities are absolutely safe, well protected. It is the collective responsibility of the government as well as the society to ensure their safety and protection,” he added.

“This is also a tourist season. Let the security agencies take a final call. We must trust their wisdom and discussion. We are proud of our security agencies and our forces,” he said.

(Feature image source: PTI)