Political leaders demand fair dialogue for restoring peace in Kashmir

New Delhi, Feb 2 (ANI): Political leaders have called for a honest dialogue with all sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir to restore normalcy in that state.

CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat, his CPI counterpart A B Bardhan and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, among others, were of the view that the Army has become the "face of Indian state" for Kashmiris and this has to e change.

Karat said the government should consider the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir while finding a solution to the Kashmir issue.

"The Central Government thinks that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is still a security problem for us. They forget the fundamental fact that the Kashmir issue cannot be resolved without taking the people of Kashmir along and not ignoring their sentiments," he said.

"With the people of all these three parts (Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh) of the state along with all the essential political leaders and communities, peace talks and dialogue are necessary. But this dialogue can only take place in a condition when the federal government will take some major steps," Karat added.

Karat said the protesters in the valley should not be dealt the same way the terrorists were dealt with.

The leaders also demanded the withdrawal of security forces from the state as they restrict the freedom of people in the restive region.

Bardhan said last year's brutal killing of youths in the state by the security officials over stone pelting was objectionable. People of the country should question the government for it.

"The people of Kashmir weep for the brutal killing of their children by the security personnel. If the same thing happens in some other parts of India, then even public take a stand against it, they hold shutdown protest or raise questions in the Parliament. People observe mourn for them," said Bardhan.

Demanding withdrawal of military forces from the state and the revocation of AFSPA, Bardhan said bullets and tanks were for enemies, but were now being used for targetting "our own people". (ANI)