CPM, CPI express concern at JK situation

New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) The Left parties today expressed concern at the loss of lives in Jammu and Kashmir and disruption of essential supplies to the valley, and called for restoration of peace in the state through dialogue between warring parties.

In separate statements issued here, both--the CPM and CPI-- also called for urgent steps by the Centre to ensure that the people of both regions of the state suspended agitation and resolved the dispute through discussions.

The CPM said the serious situation in the state had been compounded by the tragic loss of lives in police firing. The need of the hour was to suspend the agitation and resolve the issue through discussion.

It also called for urgent steps to ensure that the Jammu- Srinagar national highway is not blocked by agitators.

The CPI, while expressing shock and grief at the loss of lives, cautioned against forces in both parts of the state that were trying to capitalise on the situation.

This was doing ''incalculable harm'' to the country's secular polity and constitution and could imperil the unity of the state and the country as a whole, it said.

It said the Union government, while capitalising on the deliberations in the All-Party Meeting and the visit of an all-Party delegation to the state, should take concrete initiative to defuse the situation and resolve the controversy.

The government should also take all necessary measures to restore vehicular traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and create a conducive atmosphere for resolution of the dispute by holding talks with the agitationists.

The CPI also called for providing all necessary facilities for Amarnath pilgrims.

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