People's Democracy

August 20, 2008

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

On Jammu & Kashmir Situation

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep concern at the ongoing grave situation in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.  In the interests of the country, it is imperative that the Central government take immediate initiatives to restore peace and normalcy in the state through a process of dialogue that needs to be started with both sides, first separately and then jointly, to work out an acceptable solution. 

While these talks proceed, both the sides must suspend all calls for agitation and protest.  The Central government must ensure that the traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway continues to operate smoothly. No disruption or blockade can be permitted.   The possibilities of opening up trade routes between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad, Jammu-Sialkot and Poonch-Rawalkote must be immediately pursued.  The compensation offered by the Central government to the families who lost their lives in the current disturbances and those who have suffered injuries must be immediately given.  Those who suffered losses due to the economic blockade must also be adequately compensated. 

The dispute over the land allocated for the facilities to be provided to the Amarnath  yatris, should be amicably settled through dialogue. 

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) appeals to the people of Jammu & Kashmir  to exercise utmost restraint  and not fall prey to the provocation of the communal forces in Jammu or the extremist forces in the valley.  The RSS/BJP�s decision to make this into an all-India issue is bound to generate further tensions and is aimed at sharpening communal polarization for their petty political/electoral interests. 

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) calls upon the UPA government to take action immediately on these  lines.