CPI(M) urged the govt to offer autonomy to Kashmir

New Delhi, Mar 21: The government was today ( Mar 21, 2006) urged to broaden the dialogue on Kashmir supported by an offer of autonomy as a roadmap of peace in the militancy-hit state.

Calling for a major political initiative from the government, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Mohammad Salim said the resolution of the issue can't be left to the National Security Adviser alone.

''The government should offer autonomy as part of a roadmap for peace,'' said Mr Salim while participating in a special discussion on the outcome of the Round Table between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Kashmiri leaders last month.

The Marxist leader also called for creation of a separate Political Advisory Council on Kashmir in the Prime Minister's Office on the pattern of the Economic Advisory Council for the state.

He also criticised the Union Home Ministry for not doing ''enough home work'' before Round Table conferences. ''The Kashmir problem requires a multi-pronged, multi-layered approach for its resolution,'' he said adding the next Round Table should be held in Srinagar.

Taking part in the discussion initiated by Jammu and Kashmir MP Lal Singh (Congress) and Mr Shailendra Singh (Samajwadi Party) demanded that incidents like the recent killing of five children in a firing by Army personnel should not be repeated.

The Lok Sabha will conclude the discussion tomorrow.

UNI