CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami urges India, Pakistan to resolve issues through dialogue

SRINAGAR: Seeking cessation of tension and an immediate de-escalation on borders, Senior CPI(M) leader and MLA M Y Tarigami today asked India and Pakistan to set dialogue process in motion to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

"Kashmir issue is a festering wound in south Asia and endangers peace in the whole region. The leadership of both the countries (India and Pakistan) need to show courage and initiate the process of dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir," Tarigami, who represents Kulgam constituency in south Kashmir in the state assembly, said in a statement here.

He said it was "unfortunate" that the two countries which have a number of challenges in common are seen "indulging in accusations and counter accusations" against each other.

"The tragedy of fragile relations between the two countries is that the painstaking progress for peace at different levels can be overturned in an instant by a single incident of violence. It has become imperative in the interests of the entire south Asian region that the leadership of India and Pakistan must rise to the occasion and ensure cessation of tension across the border," the CPI(M) leader said.

He appealed to "democratic forces" in both the countries to raise their voice and force their respective leadership to put an end to this "jingoistic hysteria".

"War and violence is not an option but can only result in massive devastation and destruction," Tarigami said, adding "it is tragic that lakhs of people living cross the Line of Control and International Border have been forced once again to migrate to other places. Their sufferings are immense and unfortunately there is no infrastructure in place to accommodate and rehabilitate these poor sufferers," Tarigami said.

He urged the Union government to take effective and immediate measures for their rehabilitation.