National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah today alleged that the claims of normalcy in Kashmir made by the central and state governments were 'contrary' to the ground situation in the region.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also claimed that there was a 'growing sense of alienation' among the people, especially the youth.

'Those claiming things have improved in Kashmir after the mayhem, bloodshed and misery of 2016, are contradicting the ground reality in an effort to escape their own culpability and responsibility.

'The fact remains that our youth today are more isolated and alienated than ever before, and feel hopeless and dismayed,' he said at a public meeting in Khan Sahib assembly constituency's Hardpanzoo area in Budgam district..