Kashmir on boil because of Centre's hawkish approach, Kathua: CPI(M) MLA

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is on the boil because of the Central government's "hawkish and insensitive approach" and incidents such as the Kathua rape case, a CPI(M) leader from the state alleged today.

Kulgam MLA Yousuf Tarigami also demanded that an FIR be lodged against two BJP leaders who resigned as ministers after taking part in a rally in support of those arrested in connection with the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua.

"Incidents like these (the rape-and-murder case) have created a volatile situation in the state," he told PTI.

Tarigami, who is here to attend the CPI(M)'s ongoing party congress, said the "constituency for peace" was fast shrinking in the state.

"With the hawkish and insensitive approach of the Modi government towards Kashmir where national security is concerned and the BJP's jingoistic and nationalistic position, the constituency for peace and amity is shrinking day by day," he said.

Accusing the ruling PDP and BJP of shielding the ex-ministers, the CPI(M) central committee member said the state government should lodge a case against the two BJP leaders.

"That (the resignation) is not enough. We have been saying that the Jammu and Kashmir government has to go further because these ministers had obstructed the process of investigation. That is a crime in itself." he said.

The senior CPI(M) leader described the PDP-BJP government in the state as an "opportunistic" alliance and alleged the only common ground between the two parties was the zest for power.

"They do not look beyond power and have no concern for the the people," he said.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir also got a special mention in the inaugural speech of party general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who said the people of the state felt more alienated than ever before.