New Delhi, June 29: Government Tuesday said there are reliable reports to suggest that “anti-national elements are trying to exploit the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“There are reliable reports that anti-national elements are trying to exploit the situation. Some militants may also have sneaked into the valley to trigger violence,” Home Minister P Chidambaram said here.
The Home Minister made an appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand by the state government and help the state government in restoration of law and order.
“I would specially appeal to parents to ensure that their children are at home when curfew is imposed,” he said.
 “The people of Jammu and Kashmir must reflect on the nature of the challenge faced by the security forces. Nevertheless, I have today reiterated the instructions to the CRPF to observe maximum restraint while dealing with the rioters and stone-pelters,” he said.
 Chidambaram said the central government will support the J&K government in its efforts to put an end to violations of curfew, stone-pelting and rioting.
 “I have just heard the statement made by (Chief Minister) Omar Abdullah and I endorse every word of that statement. The incidents that have taken place in J&K in recent days, including today, are deeply regrettable. I am particularly saddened by the fact that lives have been lost. The CRPF is deployed in J&K to assist the state police,” the Home Minister said.
 Chidambaram said that under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), CRPF and J&K police carry out their assignments jointly.
 “Invariably, it is the state police official who is incharge of the deployment and performance of duties assigned to the CRPF. I am told that as far as possible magistrate are also present when the security forces are deployed to control rioters and to restore law and order,” he said.
 Meanwhile, Chidambaram is likely to visit the state on July 2 to review the law and order situation there.
 Chidambaram, during his meeting with top civil and police officials of the state, may carry out “reorientation” of the top brass of CRPF, which has come under criticism for the death of several youths in clashes recently, sources said.
 The Home Minister is also likely to hold separate meetings with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Governor NN Vohra.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST