Talk to 'voices of dissent' in Kashmir, CPI-M tells Rajnath Singh

CPI-M leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami urged the central government to open an "unconditional dialogue" with all the stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, "particularly the voices of dissent", to bring peace in the violence-ravaged state.

Srinagar: CPI-M leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami on Sunday urged the central government to open an "unconditional dialogue" with all the stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, "particularly the voices of dissent", to bring peace in the violence-ravaged state.

The lone Communist lawmaker in the state assembly and some of his party leaders met Home Minister Rajnath Singh here.

The Home Minister was on a two-day visit to the Kashmir Valley in the wake of the violent unrest that has left more than 45 people dead in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Tarigami blamed the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir for the "unfortunate deaths of dozens of unarmed civilians" and called for an "immediate end to this use of brutal force".

He said he urged Rajnath Singh "to initiate a process of unconditional dialogue with all the stakeholders, particularly the voices of dissent" in the state, referring to separatist leaders in Kashmir.

Tarigami, who represents a constituency in the worst-hit south Kashmir region, said he told Rajnath Singh that the "people of Kashmir believe that they have been ignored time and again and whatever promises have been made have not been fulfilled".

He said "those who are at the helm must draw lessons and understand the serious implications of the situation" that the new unrest has unfolded in the valley.

"We are afraid if appropriate response is not evolved, the situation may worsen in the coming future."

He urged the central government to take immediate measures "which can treat the wounds and address the injured psyche of Kashmiris. It brooks no delay".