Kulgam, May 12: Stating that the hawks on both sides of the Line of Control (LOC) would always want the political uncertainty to prevail in the region,  the CPI (M) State, General Secretary, M Y Tarigami, Thursday said that composite dialogue was the only way forward for India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues amicably.
 “There are certain elements- hawks in India as well as Pakistan who want to capitalize on the recent developments that have emerged following the killing of Al-Qaeda chief, Osama Bin Laden in Abbotabad near Islamabad but the majority of the people as well as intelligentsia on both sides are for peace. New Delhi and Islamabad should provide peace a chance and let it prevail,” Tarigami said while addressing a gathering in this south Kashmir town.
He said that during his recent visit to Pakistan he interacted with the intellectual class and all of them are for better relations with India and were of the opinion that the composite dialogue was in the interest of both countries.
“The people there want all traditional routes to be thrown open for trade and more people to people contacts,” said Tarigami.
He said the two countries instead of going for nuclear race should rather focus on providing food and shelter to the majority poor community living there.
Appealing India and Pakistan not to fall prey to the “evil designs” of United States of America, Tarigami said, “Violence is neither fruitful for India nor Pakistan or Kashmir. The two countries should not hold themselves hostage to the imperialistic designs of US as by taking shelter under them they are undermining their own sovereignty. US is neither a friend of India nor Pakistan and same is responsible for the miserable condition of Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and now Libya.”
He said that the “wrong policies” of the subsequent establishments of two countries had made them as well as Kashmiris on both sides of the LOC to suffer.
“The Kashmir issue is not a territorial dispute between the two countries and Kashmiris should not be treated like cattle. We want our dignity and self respect to be restored,” said Tarigami.
Expressing concern over the heavy presence of armed forces in the state, Tarigami said, “If the government and army itself are admitting about the drop in infiltration attempts as well as decrease in the number of militants operating in the state, I fail to understand why there is a need of heavy concentration of troops.”
On the Disturbed Areas Act, Tarigami said that the revocation of Disturbed areas Act was the major proposal in New Delhi’s 8-point formula formulated last year but the state government has now forgotten it all together. “Let it be revoked at least from Srinagar at first instance,” Tarigami suggested.
Tarigami appealed the state government to release all political prisoners and youth who were arrested on charges of stone pelting last year and withdraw cases against them.
 He also appealed the separatist and mainstream parties to leave their differences aside and get united on certain common issues.
“People from all shades of opinion whether they are for independence, Pakistan , self-rule or autonomy should at least get together on certain issues were there is a consensus, so that we can find solution to these at least,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 IST