Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday appealed to the Centre to find a “middle path” for ending the cycle of violence in the Valley which was consuming the lives of poor youth and security forces.

Five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists including a top commander and a university professor were killed recently in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Five civilians died during clashes between protesters and law-enforcing agencies near the encounter site.

“The tragedy in which five civilians were killed yesterday is very painful. I appeal to Government of the country (Centre) to find a way for ending this bloodshed,” she told reporters at the reopening of Civil Secretariat in Srinagar as part of the traditional Darbar move practice.

Chief Minister Mehbooba also urged the parents to make sure children don’t embrace death by joining militancy because “god brought all of us into this world to live a good life”.

“In most cases, both stones and guns are in the hands of children belonging to poor families,” she said, apparently referring to Kashmir stone-pelters and security forces.

“A way out needs to be found so that our children, army soldiers and policemen are not killed. I appeal parents to ensure children do not embrace death as god brought all of us into this world to live a good life and not for embracing death at the age of 18 and 20.”

In a statement on Sunday, she had said “It sounds very depressing to note that our State is losing young lives to the unending cycle of violence who could otherwise be utilized for a positive contribution to the State”.

The chief minister had added that political issues need political intervention.

“I have reiterated it time and again that political issues need political interventions. I appeal youth that their energies, youthfulness, dreams and aspirations are far more important and sacred to the society than their dead bodies or graves,” she said.

Mufti also appealed to all sections of civil society, media, students, parents and other stakeholders to rise to this critical occasion, play their role and help in putting an end to this cycle of bloodshed in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)