CPI-M MLA laments inaction on deliberations during all-party delegation visit

Advocating withdrawal of AFSPA and the Disturbed Area Act from Kashmir, CPI-M MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday said the Centre had taken no visible action on the deliberations held during the all-party delegation's visit to the restive valley.

This had led to increased disillusionment and alienation among the people of the Kashmir Valley, the Communist Party of India-Marxist state general secretary told the media here.

"The delaying tactics seemingly adopted by the government in initiating a credible and comprehensive dialogue with the stakeholders (in Kashmir) amounts to a disservice to the people which has dangerous implications."

He said the union government had shown no sign of changing its approach in tackling the situation in the valley and banning the lethal pellet guns.

"A purposeful and logical dialogue demands constitution of a committee of parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, assisted by experts and mandated with the initiation of serious and unconditional political dialogue for the resolution of the Kashmir issue," he said.

He said the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley had strongly demonstrated that the issue cannot be shelved any more and the steps taken in the past with the sole purpose of crisis management must not be repeated.

Tarigami said adequate compensation should be paid to the families affected by the present Kashmir unrest, adding that the withdrawal of the Disturbed Area Act and the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) was also necessary.

Almost 90 people, including three policemen, have died in the stone-pelting protests and counter-measures by security forces since the July 8 killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani.

--IANS

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