The government has appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to put an end to the current cycle of violence and restore peace in the valley. It also regretted loss of lives during the violent protests in the state.Making a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, the Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram said mindless violence and destruction of public property will not lead to any solution. Urging upon all sections of the people, he said that the protests which are resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to the protestors, is entirely avoidable. The Home Minister observed that reactivating the political process holds the key to solutions and it can only begin, when violence stops.The Minister said the central government offers its full support to the state government in restoring law and order, holding a dialogue, redressing genuine grievances, accelerating development programmes, and ensuring equity, justice and honour for all sections of the people in the state.The Home Minister informed both the Houses that security forces have been advised to deal with the crowds in a restraint manner. He however maintained that the relentless stone pelting and the danger of police stations and police outposts being overrun have compelled the security forces to use force both in self defence and in order to protect public property. He said, there have been instances where the security forces have been fired upon by someone in the protesting crowds. Mr. Chidambaram said that there is reliable intelligence that some armed militants might have mingled with the crowds and fired at the security forces.He said, after a meeting with the Prime Minister in the beginning of the month, the Chief Minister Omar Obdullah appealed to the people of Kashmir to maintain peace following violent incidents in the month of June and July. He offered a dialogue for the redressal of grievances including a dialogue to resolve the political issues that concern the people. Mr. Chidambaram maintained that centre endorses Chief Minister's appeal and hopes that the cycle of violence will come to an end immediately.