Kulgam, Apr 26: The CPI (M), State General Secretary and MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami, on Thursday urged the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to take concrete steps to resolve the Kashmir issue before his tenure ends.
 “I appeal Prime Minister that he should not leave the office before taking concrete steps to resolve the Kashmir issue and initiating result oriented dialogue with Pakistan and the main stake holders,” said Tarigami while addressing a rally organized by Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Youth Federation (JKDYF) in this south Kashmir district.
 He said the resolution of Kashmir issue was in the interest of both countries to bring peace and prosperity in South Asia. “The money which both the countries should have utilized for the welfare of the poor and the hungry is being utilized to keep vigil on glaciers,”
 Terming the recent meeting between Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari as a positive beginning, Tarigami said, “The two countries should end the path of confrontation and go for reconciliation to resolve all outstanding issue including Siachen, Sir Creek and Kashmir.”
 Tarigami asked the centre to engage the alienated Kashmiris in the dialogue process rather than taking cosmetic steps like appointment of interlocutors, which he termed as a futile exercise.
 Stressing upon the youth to strive for the change, Tarigami said, “Youth of Kashmir are feeling insecure in the Valley. They are facing humiliation as their basic rights have been snatched. They find it difficult to move freely and find it difficult to get accommodation in other states. They are asked to prove their identity even in their own homeland.”
 He said that the though the disgruntled and alienated youth left the arms to give peace a chance and fight for their rights in a democratic manner, but that has not eased his miseries. “Referring to the Machil fake encounter, Tarigami said, “Three youth working as labors were picked up by the Army from north Kashmir’s Baramula district and labeled as foreign militants. Instead of taking stern action against the accused officers, they were awarded with promotions and medals. If the same would have been happened in New Delhi would people have showered petals on you? If people won’t protest, then what you expect them to do?” he asked.
 He said the youth who protested against the killing of their loved ones in 2010 were showered with bullets and not a single cop was booked. Instead he said, “Whosoever dared to raise his voice against injustice was booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) and cases were registered against them”.
 “I appeal youth to come forward and work for a change,” Tarigami said.
 Terming the rehabilitation policy announced by the government as eyewash Tarigami said, “Though the sole aim of the bill that I bought in the Assembly was to ensure safe passage for the youth who had crossed over to other side in the early nineties. Most of them want to return and live a dignified life. But the rigid approach on both sides has scuttled the move”.
 He urged both India and Pakistan not to play politics on the issue and facilitate their return. “It is quite unfortunate that Kashmiris have been at the receiving end due to the strife between the two countries,” he said.
 On the recent statement of Army that they were willing to promote rural tourism in the state, he said, “Army is an institution and has a role to safeguard the sovereignty of the country but unfortunately the inability of the civil administration is giving Army a free hand to interfere in civilian matters”.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST