Win hearts of Kashmiri people: Jyotiraditya Scindia tells Modi govt

New Delhi: Asserting that “marriage of convenience” between the ruling PDP and BJP was not working in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia has said the Modi government should try to win the hearts of Kashmiris which cannot be won through financial packages. “Jammu and Kashmir cannot be won over by economic packages. Their hearts need to be won over,” he said. [caption id=“attachment_2912036” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A file photo of Jyotiraditya Scindia. AFP[/caption] Many parts of the Valley, particularly South Kashmir, are witnessing violent clashes for a fortnight now after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces on 8 July. As many as 45 persons have been killed and over 3,400 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces since 9 July. “This whole marriage of convenience between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not working there. The Centre is also not doing enough for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Scindia told PTI. He said there is a lack of economic development and employment opportunity for youths of the region. “The Centre needs to do much more. There has to be dialogue with the people of Kashmir,” the Congress party’s chief whip said, adding that there is a need to create an environment of peace and tranquillity, growth and development in the state. “We are willing to work together with the government in the interest of Kashmir,” Scindia said. He said an all-party delegation needed to visit the state to assess the situation and talk to people.