Chidambaram questions those advocating military approach in J&K over civilian deaths

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Monday questioned those advocating a muscular policy and military approach in Jammu and Kashmir over the death of seven civilians after an encounter between security forces and Hizbul Mujahideen militants.

"Seven civilians, including five teenagers, were killed in J&K. What did they die for? Will those who advocate a muscular, militaristic approach to J&K, please answer the question," he asked on Twitter.

The former Union home minister has been attacking the NDA government on its Kashmir policy, accusing it of adopting a muscular approach in the state that will not work.

The seven civilians died Saturday when security forces opened fire at an unruly mob that thronged the site of an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama district in which three terrorists and an Army man were killed, police said.

The militants killed included Army deserter Zahoor Ahmad Thoker, who belonged to Simoo village where the gunfight took place.