Stone Pelting Must End In Kashmir, Says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will ask the government not to use pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir if there was no violence, no stone throwing and students return to classes.

Asking leaders of the JK High Court Bar Association to come forward with "positive suggestions" to diffuse the situation, Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said in such a situation they would ask the government not to use pellet guns.

"If you suggest something within the framework of the Constitution, we will assure you there will be a dialogue," the Chief Justice said as leaders of the Bar Association wanted government to hold talks with Hurriyat leaders - currently under house arrest - without conditions.

Giving time to the Bar Association till May 9 to come up with "positive suggestions", the court said: "You must first tell us what you will do. Then we will direct the government. If you keep throwing stones, how will it work?" Justice Kaul told the counsel for the Bar Association that students have to get back to their colleges and universities.

Making it clear that it will not talk to separatists or those demanding 'azadi', the Centre said it will only talk to people who are legally permitted to speak on behalf of the people.