Government should go ahead with talks with Pakistan: CPI(M)

NEW DELHI: CPI(M) today asked the Government to go ahead with the proposed talks with Pakistan "regardless of their officials meeting separatist leaders of Kashmir or not" and ensure de-escalation of tensions along border.

"CPI(M) has consistently maintained the process of dialogue with Pakistan should continue. We think continuation of this process is important also for de-escalation of tensions that are being built up (along borders) and this is necessary.

"And we have told the Government not to use this pretext of such talks (to discontinue parleys with Pakistan). Such talks with separatist outfits in Kashmir have been held by Pakistani embassy officials for many many years now," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his party's three-day central committee meeting which began here today, Yechury said "everyone knows" that talks between Pakistan and the separatist leaders could not have taken place in the past "without Indian Government's sanction".

"And what is important right now is to de-escalate these tensions to ensure there is no further loss of life of our jawans, who are bravely defending our borders," he said.

Yechury alleged that the Government has during its year-long tenure sent a "very clear message" that the dialogue process should not continue.

"That we think is wrong and very harmful for interest of our country and people," he added.

India today made it clear to Pakistan that it should not go ahead with the meeting of its NSA Sartaz Aziz with Hurriyat representatives when he comes to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in Delhi, saying it will not be "appropriate".