CPI demands political dialogue to restore normalcy in J-K

CPI today demanded a meaningful political dialogue to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and withdrawal of Armed Forces Act claiming that the controversial law had alienated the people in Kashmir.

CPI on Tuesday demanded a meaningful political dialogue to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) claiming that the controversial law had alienated the people there.

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The demand comes a day ahead of the all-party meeting on Kashmir convened by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Condemning the violence "provoked by certain elements in the US", the party said these elements have used the already prevailing sense of alienation among the people to take to the streets and confront forces.

Charging the Government with dithering to take decisive action, the party said, "Only in such a situation can meaningful political dialogue take place and a political solution can be found."

"For quite a long time, the Centre has been dithering when it is clear that there is hardly a functioning government in the state," the CPI Central Secretariat said in a statement.

Many political parties, including CPI, have been demanding withdrawal of AFSPA which has "only led to further alienation of the people as was seen earlier in North-East, in Manipur and now in Jammu and Kashmir," it said.

"It is the government that has to take the crucial decision for defusing the situation in the strife-torn state and allow sane, sober and democratic elements to restore peace and normalcy in the state," it said.

The party also appealed to the people in Kashmir not to fall prey to any provocation.

"We also appeal to all political forces and formations in the state to come forward and engage in a political process so that the situation does not further deteriorate and lead to a point of no return," it added.