SRINAGAR: Communist Party of India leader Brinda Karat Tuesday said that mere 7% polling in Central Kashmir has made it clear that both Delhi and state governments have betrayed the nation by not initiating unconditional dialogue with all the stake-holders in Jammu and Kashmir especially separatist leadership. She said that callous attitude of New Delhi toward Kashmir has resulted into massive alienation, local news gatherer CNS reported.
“We condemn the oppression and repression of both central and state government on people and believe that Kashmir is a political issue which needs to be addressed politically,” Karat was quoted saying. “The way both Central and State Governments have let loose a reign of terror in Valley is not only condemnable but barbaric as well. There is lot of anger among people who want issue to be resolved without any delay. Kashmir needs to be demilitarized and New Delhi must stop brute force on people.” She said resentment, alienation and protests in Kashmir Valley can’t be dealt with bullets and pellets.
“This is irony that even after the 2016 happenings Government of India didn’t bother to engage stakeholders to settle the issue. This only shows the callousness and insensitivity on part of New Delhi. The lower turnout in recent elections in Kashmir speaks volumes and it makes clear, how both the Jammu and Kashmir and Central Governments cheated and betrayed the faith of people of country. By not initiating an unconditional dialogue with separatists in Kashmir, Government of India only aggravates the situation,” she said.
Brinda Karat said that the armed forces must stop the use of pellets and bullets. “Government of India must understand that injuring people through bullets and using pellets to blind protesters will have serious consequences and it will only add fuel to the fire,” she said, insisting that lower turnout for Srinagar Parliament seat is a wake-up call for New Delhi and it should start an unconditional dialogue now without beating about the bush.
