CPM asks Centre to initiate steps to end ceasefire violations

Srinagar: CPI(M) Thursday asked the Centre to initiate steps for breaking ground with Pakistan to end hostilities along the border which is affecting the innocent civilians.

"...The ground needs to be broken and peace must prevail (along the Line of Control and International border in Jammu and Kashmir). That is upto the government. We have been telling the Centre that the time for talking is over and we have to walk the talk now," CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.

Describing the cross border shelling in the state as "very unfortunate", he said the border tensions have flared at the same time when the state is reeling from the effects of the devastating floods.

"The Modi government even before assuming office said the atmosphere is changing. The government said they will reduce the border tensions on the basis of dialogue but there are no results to be seen so far," he said.

The CPI(M) leader said the talks must resume at the earliest for de-escalation of the tension on the border and stop the losses caused by hostilities.

"First the government said we will carry forward the process of Indo-Pak talks. Kashmir is a dispute which we have agreed is to be mutually resolved between India and Pakistan and those talks will continue along with talks in other areas for good neighbourly relations.

"This was the announcement made by the Modi government prior to assuming office and soon after that. I am only going by what they have said. There is nothing I am advocating," he said.