India, Pak should take bold steps to address Kashmir issue: CPI(M)

Jammu and Kashmir state unit of CPI(M) on Sunday asked India and Pakistan to take bold initiatives and make serious efforts to turn a new leaf in their relations to address protracted Kashmir issue.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir state unit of CPI(M) on Sunday asked India and Pakistan to take bold initiatives and make serious efforts to turn a new leaf in their relations to address the protracted Kashmir issue. "People of Kashmir are forced to bear the brunt of disruptions in Indo-Pak dialogue. Now time has come when New Delhi and Islamabad should make serious efforts to turn a new leaf in their relations. For this, the leadership has to exhibit will and capacity to move forward and revamp the stalled peace process," CPI(M) state secretary M Y Tarigami said in a statement here.

With peaceful democratic transition and return of Nawaz Sharif to power in Pakistan, both countries need to make serious efforts to turn a new leaf in their relations, Tarigami said. "I urge India and Pakistan to reverse the self-destructive path and take bold initiatives to address the vexed Kashmir issue," he said. The CPI(M) leader said, "Rigidities must be replaced with flexibilities" and both leaderships and people of the two neighbouring countries should realise the urgency of the commitment to address the Kashmir issue. Addressing the issue is in the interest of both countries and to bring peace and prosperity in South Asia, he said. "It is ironic that the money which both countries should have utilised for the welfare of the poor and the hungry, is being utilised to keep vigil on glaciers. The two countries should end the path of confrontation and go for reconciliation to resolve all outstanding issues including Siachen, Sir Creek and Kashmir," he said. PTI