CPI-M condemns attack on Kashmiri drivers

Srinagar, Aug 7 (UNI) Terming the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir highly critical, the Communist Party of India (M) today condemned the attack on Kashmiri drivers in Jammu.

In a statement here, CPI(M) state secretary Mohd Yousuf Targami came down heavily on the communal forces who were out to create communal frenzy for electoral gains.

He appealed to the people to remain calm and uphold their age-old traditions of tolerance and brotherhood.

On the one hand, these forces talk of nationalism and integration and on the other side, they attempt at exodus of minorities and want the state to be divided on ethical lines, he underlined.

Condemning the unprovoked attacks and assaults on innocent Kashmiri drivers, minorities of Jammu and the economic blockade of Kashmir, Mr Tarigami asked the state and central governments to ensure, without a moment's delay, the safety and security of the National Highway.

He also said complaints of alleged partisan and complacent attitude of some officials should be looked into and the guilty, if any found, should be punished.

He appealed to the Punjab Chief Minister to look into the complaints of harassment and looting of Kashmiri truckers and punish the guilty.

Mr Tarigami expressed serious concern over the acute shortage of essential commodities, including medicines, petroleum products and foodgrains in the Valley.

He said fresh fruit of hundreds of crores were rotting for want of safe transportation to outside markets.

Mr Tarigami appealed to the common citizens, civil society, media, intellectuals and politicians to rise to the occasion at this critical juncture and fight back the nefarious designs and machinations of evil forces.

UNI BAS ATI BD1530