PDP, CPI-M call for lifting of blockades

Expressing concern over economic blockades in the Kashmir valley, the 2 parties called upon the authorities for early opening of the highways and also ensure security of people.Hindustan Times suggests

Expressing concern over economic blockades in the Kashmir valley, the PDP and the state unit of CPI-M on Wednesday called upon the authorities for early opening of the highways and also ensure safety and security of people.

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Condemning the attacks and assaults on Kashmiri drivers, minorities of Jammu and also the economic blockade of Kashmir, state CPI-M secretary MY Tarigami asked the state and Central governments to ensure "safety and security of people in the Jammu-Srinagar national highway".

He expressed concern over acute shortage of essential commodities including medicines, petroleum products and foodgrains in the valley.

"The complaints of alleged partisan and complacent attitude of some officers should be looked into and the guilty, if any found, should be punished," he said.

Meanwhile, PDP demanded early opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade.

"The demand of opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road vindicate PDP's stand. The alternative in form of Jhelum Valley road is not only solution to the present crisis but a viable solution to the economic constraint compounding the state," PDP leaders Peer Mohammad Hussain, Rafi Ahmad Mir and Bashir Assad said in a joint statement in Srinagar.

"It was envisioned by the PDP leaders in 2004-05 and we believe that Kashmir valley cannot afford to be hostage to the Hindu fanatics and economic blockades," the statement said.

Referring to the situation in Jammu, they said "venomous fervour of communal forces in the winter capital is not tolerable and the continuous assault on Muslims is highly condemnable which if allowed to dither, will be having disastrous implications on the complexion of India".