Kashmir unrest: Left urges Govt. to initiate confidence building measures

CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday said that the government must initiate some confidence building measures and start dialogue with all stakeholders to bring an end to the ongoing unrest in Kashmir.

Talking to the media after the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Yechury said that they had put forth their suggestions, which were neither accepted nor completely rejected.

"So, we can't comment now as to what steps will the government initiate. Start the dialogue with all the stakeholders. That is the only way, we have done in the past and we have to do it again," Yechury told ANI.

The CPI (M) leader further said that the government must withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the civilian areas where it's not required.

"Thirdly, you give instructions to all the states where Kashmiri youth are present that whenever there is something against them, strict action will be taken," he added.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja echoing similar sentiments said that they have suggested the government to start dialogue process with all stakeholders.

"The Prime Minister said Jammu and Kashmir consists of four regions i.e. Jammu, Kashmir, PoK and Ladakh. He also said that there will be no compromise on our national security and integrity," he told the media after the meeting.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the leaders of various political parties in the all-party meeting that there cannot be any compromise on national security on Jammu and Kashmir issue but there is a need to win confidence of people of the valley.

He said the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was called to find a political solution to the unrest in Kashmir, where over 50 people have been killed in clashes between the protesters and security forces and more than 5,000 have been injured since July 8 when violent protests erupted over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav were among those present in today's meeting.