Srinagar: A delegation of parliamentarians
and civil society activists on Sunday favoured resumption of
composite dialogue with Pakistan and talks with separatist
leaders in the Valley to resolve the Kashmir issue.
"We consider the need for resuming the composite
dialogue with Pakistan... a meaningful dialogue process in
which all the issues should be dealt bilaterally," CPI leader
D Raja, who is part of the 11-member `fact-finding` delegation
to Kashmir, told reporters at the conclusion of their
three-day visit.
Raja said there was a need for simultaneous
comprehensive talks process with the leadership of Jammu and
Kashmir including the separatists while taking into
consideration the interests of the state`s three regions --
Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautioned
the delegation that calm on the ground should not be mistaken
as peace and the prevailing situation should be used as an
opportunity to address the Kashmir problem.
The delegation which included lawmakers Ram Vilas
Paswan, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and journalist Seema Mustafa
among others, met the PDP chief last evening.
"Calm on the surface should not be taken for granted.
Rather, the prevailing situation should be used as an
opportunity to address the problem," PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti
said.
Raja said the situation in the trouble-torn state was
"very serious" and sought immediate and long-term measures
for addressing the grievances of the people.
"What we have witnessed today is tremendous insecurity
and mistrust about the government of India among the people of
Kashmir. There is a need for demonstrating sincerity by taking
some immediate steps," he said.
The Left leader said the Public Safety Act (PSA)
should be revoked, use of Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(AFSPA) should be restricted and all those detained who are
not facing major charges should be released. Security
personnel guilty of human rights violations should be
prosecuted and government should be held accountable for
"missing persons".
PTI
