Visit of US, Israeli Army chiefs suspicious, says CPI(M)

Srinagar, Nov 2 (UNI) Expressing apprehension over the visits of United States and Israeli army chiefs to Jammu and Kashmir, the Communist Party of India (M) said such a nexus was suspicious.

State secretary of the CPI(M) Mohd Yousuf Tarigami also came down heavily on the Centre for being oblivious to the continued harassment and undue detention of Muslim youths across the country whenever any terrorist attack took place.

Addressing a party convention at Nipor in Devsar in South Kashmir today, Mr Tarigami expressed dismay over the Kashmir situation being dealt only by force and harsh administrative measures.

He said it was at such a time that the Israeli Army Chief visited Kashmir in the first week of September, followed by the visit of the US Army Chief to Ladakh.

''The people of Jammu and Kashmir are apprehensive of the direct experience of the nexus with the US and Israel'', he said, adding what message such visits have sent to the people of the State and to the peace loving countries is something which seems not bothering the Centre.

He said the police and the state machinery are seen targeting the muslim community on one or the other pretext in the country.

Mr Tarigami said, It is unfair to denigrate the entire Muslim community because of alleged involvement of some youths in undesirable activities.'' ''This should be a matter of concern for all democratic-minded citizens as the vicious cycle of violence engineered by terrorists and communalists only violates secular values and democracy,'' he said.

About the recent arrest of separatist leaders under Public Safety Act (PSA) in the valley, he expressed his unhappiness and demanded their immediate release in the interests of the ongoing democratic process.

At the same time, he also cautioned the elements coercing people to stay away from the electoral process.

He reiterated his party's stand that elections are to ensure ''pro-people governance.'' While highlighting the ordeal and the anguish of relatives of disappeared people, Mr Tarigami stressed that the government should evolve a mechanism to let the traumatised relatives of disappeared people know their whereabouts.

He demanded relief and rehabilitation of the affected families.

UNI BAS ASM SG RN1503