Jammu region clashes toll three: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Three people have died in clashes in the Jammu region, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Monday said adding that the government will not allow any forced migration from the area.

The minister told the Rajya Sabha that the situation in the violence-hit Jammu region has been brought under control, and three lives have been lost.

"So far, two Muslims and one Hindu have died in the clashes. All of us are Indians. Three Indian lives have been lost and that is a matter of great regret," Chidambaram said.

"We will not allow repetition of 1990. We will not allow forced migration, we will not allow forced resettlement, everybody will be protected in the area in which he or she lives," Chidambaram said.

The exodus of Kashmiri pandits from the Valley started in 1990 soon after the outbreak of the insurgency in the state.

Chidambaram's comments came as several members, including Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley of the Bharatiya Janata Party expressed fears that the violence that erupted in Jammu may lead to a similar situation as in the Valley in 1990.

The finance minister was speaking after a discussion on last week's riots in Kishtwar town. He made the statement as Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde was unwell.