Kashmir unrest: CPI (M) urges Govt. to initiate dialogue with all stakeholders

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Sept. 5 (ANI): With the separatists refusing to hold talks with the all-party delegation, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Monday urged the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre to start a political dialogue with all stakeholders without any pre-conditions. Yechury, who is part of the all-party delegation presently in Srinagar to chalk out strategies to restore normalcy in the region, told ANI there is no solution to the Kashmir issue without talking about politics. "Out of five separatist leaders, one met us. But they have decided that there will be no talks on politics. But there is no solution without talking about politics. We told them before also that we believe in unconditional dialogue," said Yechury. "If we would have come two months back then the situation would have been better than this," he added. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on his part said that efforts should be made to convince all stakeholders. "Many people have got injured and also died. So, naturally there is anger. These things take place till things calm down. We have to convince them. Steps need to be taken to bring normalcy in the valley," he added. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the doors should always be open for those willing to express their views on the present situation in the valley. "Our main agenda was to have people to people contact... After discussion, we have got a lot of information," he added. The LJP leader further said the separatists are this time hesitant to hold talks with the all-party delegation as the present situation is quite different. Hurriyat leaders S.A.S. Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq yesterday refused to meet the all-party delegation. However, the delegation was yesterday successful in reaching out to Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik. The separatists had earlier rejected Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's invitation for talks. The all-party delegation headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday held parleys with various sections of the society and listened to their concerns as part of efforts to find a common solution to the current unrest. The delegation earlier met the Chief Minister during which a detailed presentation was given by the state government highlighting various issues related to the current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. While interacting with the delegation, Mehbooba said that Kashmir is a common issue of national interest and should not be viewed as a political issue. The all-party delegation also met the representatives of various political parties who expressed their concern on the use of pellet guns. The all-party delegation will visit Jammu later in the day. Kashmir has been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. (ANI)