The Cabinet Committee on Security met today and reviewed the situation in Jammu & Kashmir. The CCS is deeply distressed by the turn of events since Eid and especially the events that took place today following certain rumours. The CCS expresses its profound grief at the loss of lives and offers its sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

The UPA Government has always held the belief that dialogue and discussion is the only way forward to find an honourable and lasting solution. In the past too, the UPA government had taken several initiatives to hold a dialogue with different political parties and political groups, including the Hurriyat. Those efforts did yield some results. It was -- and it remains -- the intention of the UPA government to restart the process of dialogue. The dialogue can embrace all the issues that agitate the minds of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially the youth. The dialogue can address issues such as the trust deficit and the governance deficit.

The CCS reiterates Government's intention to restart the process of dialogue with different sections of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Towards this end, the CCS has decided to convene a meeting of all political parties at New Delhi on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 and elicit their views on the way forward. Government hopes that, following the all party meeting, it would be able to engage the people of Jammu & Kashmir and also take certain initiatives and measures that will build confidence among the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the CCS appeals to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially the youth, to refrain from violent protests and to maintain peace and order. Every life that is lost and every person who is injured, besides causing immense grief, add to the complexity of the situation. The Government sincerely hopes that the people of Jammu & Kashmir will heed this appeal and cooperate with the Government in its efforts to ensure justice, dignity, honour and peace in Jammu & Kashmir.