CPI (M) asks Kashmir administration not to use excessive force against protesters

Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Kashmir, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday asked the administration to desist from using excessive force against the protesters.

The CPI (M) polit bureau in a statement also asked the administration to indentify and punish those responsible for killing innocent unarmed protesters.

"The polit bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Kashmir. Till now, it has been reported that over 25 people, mostly youth, have been killed and hundreds injured," the statement said.

"Massive people's unrest erupted after the encounter death of Burhan Wani and his associates. The brutal force used against protesters by the police and the armed forces that resulted in these unfortunate killings is condemnable. The administration should desist from using such excessive force against the protesters. Those responsible for killing innocent unarmed protesters must be identified and punished," it added.

The CPI (M) further said the present growing unrest is also an expression of intense people's alienation, anger against the oppressive policies and killings of unarmed civilians by the security forces.

"While the activities of the extremist groups need to be checked to maintain law and order and civilian rule, it cannot be an excuse for such use of force against stone-throwing protesters," the statement said.

The CPI (M) also urged both the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir Government to immediately initiate the political process of dialogue with all political forces and groups to end this growing strife in the state and to restore peace and normalcy.

"At the Central level, the Union Home Minister must convene an all party meeting immediately," it said.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the protest over the killing of the 22-year-old poster boy rose to 23.

Curfew continued to be imposed in Srinagar following the protest.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in the state.

Rajnath had said the Centre is working with the state government to bring normalcy in the valley.

In a tweet, Singh appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace.

The Kashmir valley has been on a boil as widespread protests were carried out over Wani's killing with many separatists' calling for a shutdown.