CPI(M) to focus on price rise, Kashmir in Parliament

New Delhi, July 12: In its bid to mount pressure on the BJP-led government over price rise and the Kashmir situation, CPI(M) would press for adjournment of the question hour in both Houses of Parliament to discuss the inflation issue on the first day of the monsoon session itself.

The party will also demand a short duration discussion on the volatile situation in the Kashmir valley which is in the grip of unrest following killing of a Hizbul Mujahideen militant in an encounter last week, party sources said.

On the price rise issue, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury will move the adjournment motion in Rajya Sabha, while the party's senior leader Mohd Salim will do so in Lok Sabha, the sources said. The session is scheduled from July 18 till August 12.

The Left party is currently carrying out week-long nationwide protest over the issues of price rise and growing unemployment.

On the issue of Kashmir, the CPI(M) has already asked the Centre to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Kashmir situation.

Besides, it has also said that "both central and state governments, in which the BJP is a coalition partner, must immediately initiate the political process of dialogue with all political forces and groups to end this growing strife in the state and restore peace and normalcy."

"While the activities of the extremist groups need to be checked to maintain law and order and civilian rule, it cannot be an excuse for such use of force against stone-throwing protesters," it has said in a statement.

Violent clashes between security forces and protestors over the militant's killing have so far left 24 dead in the valley.

The party also said "the brutal force used against protestors by the police and the armed forces that resulted in these unfortunate killings is condemnable."

PTI