CPM asks Centre to announce unconditional ceasefire in the Valley

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 7: The CPI-M today urged the Indian government to announce an ``unconditional and unilateral cease-fire in Kashmir to c...

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 7: The CPI-M today urged the Indian government to announce an “unconditional and unilateral cease-fire in Kashmir to create an atmosphere conducive for the peace process to go forward.” The party today called upon all political parties — especially those within the NDA — to consider the proposal and move the issue to break the current stalemate on the Kashmir situation and go for dialogue.

“Bullets are unlikely to bring any solutions in Kashmir. An unilateral cease-fire by the (Indian Government) may create an atmosphere of goodwill and confidence among the people of the state who

are eager to respond to any positive initiative,” the CPI-M Politburo members said.

The Left Parties together also contended that the people of Kashmir has gone through a decade of bloodbath and their hopes and aspirations have been played around with the successive governments in the Centre and at Srinagar.

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“Our state (J&K) party leaders also feel that an ceasefire offer is bound to create an atmosphere of goodwill and confidence among the people of the state and the militants will also respond positively to this bold initiative,” CPI-M Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri said.

Terming the 16-day short-lived cease-fire declared by Hizbul Mujahideen two months ago and the Centre’s response to it as a very “significant and positive development,” the CPI-M leadership said it is time that the sentiments of the people of Kashmir is considered.

“No one should ignore the positive aspect of the cease-fire that people of the state had heaved a sigh of relief during the period. Kashmir is a political issue and should be solved politically,” the CPI-M spokesperson said.

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI-M today said the ceasefire will create an atmosphere conducive for initiating peace process. “This step is bound to create an atmosphere of goodwill and confidence among the people of the state and the militants will also respond positively to this bold initiative,” said the party’s J&K Secretary and lone MLA Yusuf Tarigami. He said for the people of Kashmir, who have gone through an intense period where hopes were roused only to be quickly dispelled, this bold initiative has to be taken to assure them that peace can be brought to the state.