CPI(M) Rejects Communal Solution To J&K

JAMMU and Kashmir CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami rejected Pakistan president Pervez Musharaff’s formula which is based on division of J&K on communal lines saying it would be unacceptable to the people of the state who want permanent peace in the region.

“Such a formula will amount to disregarding the historical ethos of the state. The ethos and glorious traditions of communal harmony and plurality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have to be strengthened if any viable solution is opted for,” Tarigami told newspersons in New Delhi on October 2 after the meeting of the Party central committee.

Tarigami said there had been views emerging from different quarters, both within and outside the region which seek to suggest solution of the Kashmir issue on communal lines. He felt such a formula suggests that diversity is a liability while the fact was that diversity is an asset for the people of Jammu and Kashmir residing in different regions and having different faiths.

Tarigami said Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf’s characterisation and division of the state into seven regions is “unfounded” and has evoked a debate among various sections of society in the state and rest of the region.

“The fact is that the state has five regions on both sides of the Line of Control and they share same views on common life. What is required is a larger discussion on the various options to resolve the vexed issue,” he added.

The CPI(M) leader expressed the hope that both the countries will move away from their respective positions on the Kashmir issue and explore new options. Tarigami said an alternative and conceptual framework based on number of pre-suppositions needs to be considered, taking into account aspirations of the people. “There are many possible solutions which can only emerge out of widest possible democratic dialogue,” he added.