CPI(M) asks J-K govt to sternly deal with divisive elements

CPI(M) today expressed concern over the situation in riot-hit Kishtwar and other areas of Jammu region and asked the state administration to sternly deal with the "divisive elements" fomenting trouble.
"There are reports that activists of the BJP-RSS-VHP are fanning out in the areas and inciting people to attack houses and shops owned by the minority community. This situation is providing further grist to the mill of separatist elements in the Kashmir Valley who are attempting to create further trouble," the party Politburo said in a statement.
The major Left party said it was "unfortunate that even after the trouble began, it took several hours for the police and the administration to act. In the meanwhile, the rioters had a free run."

Had the authorities acted in time, lives and property could have been saved and situation brought under control, it said and asserted that all attempts to sow discord among the people on religious and communal lines must be defeated.
"Despite aberrations, the people of the state have maintained communal harmony and brotherhood till now... People should not get swayed by rumour mongers and provocations of divisive elements who are out to disrupt peace in the state," CPI(M) said.
It asked the state administration to act firmly against elements desperate to disturb peace and harmony in the state.