Situation in Kashmir sliding into total chaos: Chidambaram

Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is "sliding into total chaos" and that a solution to the crisis cannot be found by the state's PDP-BJP ruling alliance.

In a statement, Chidambaram said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) should join hands with the opposition Congress and National Conference to resolve the crisis in the state, where curfew was clamped on Wednesday for the 40th consecutive day in the troubled Valley.

Chidambaram blamed the ruling PDP-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine for the situation in the state, where 65 people have died in clashes with security forces so far.

"I am afraid the way out of the crisis cannot be found by the present government. The Congress, National Conference and, if willing, the PDP must come together to find a solution: firstly, an immediate solution to stop the violence and, then, a path forward that will bring hope, peace and prosperity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Chidambaram said.

"I am concerned that situation in Jammu and Kashmir is sliding into total chaos. The PDP-BJP government is squarely responsible for the sharp deterioration in the last six weeks," he said in a statement.

"The statements of the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister have exacerbated the crisis. Moderation in words and actions alone can retrieve the situation. The loss of lives -- of protesting youth, other civilians and security forces -- has devastated all of us. This must stop," he added.