The Hindu : `Advani should be kept out of Kashmir talks'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 15, 2003

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`Advani should be kept out of Kashmir talks'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 14. The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation today welcomed the recent measures announced by India and Pakistan to normalise bilateral relations and restore full diplomatic ties between the two countries but said the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, ought to be kept out of the Kashmir negotiations as he has a ``key role in vitiating the atmosphere'' in the Valley.

In a statement today, the CPI(ML) general secretary, Dipankar Bhattacharya, said the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, should take part in the SAARC Summit in Islamabad and use the opportunity to normalise bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Further attempts to normalise and improve the bilateral ties and find a negotiated political solution to the Kashmir issue through serious and sincere talks with all sections of Kashmiris must go hand-in-hand.

However, as Mr. Advani ``has been known for playing a key role in vitiating the Kashmir atmosphere with his provocative statements and rigid stance,'' he should be withdrawn from the Kashmir negotiations, he said.

A joint parliamentary group and a broader group of eminent citizens and human rights activists should instead be entrusted with the responsibility of creating an atmosphere of trust and confidence, and carrying forward talks with all concerned, Mr. Bhattacharya said in the statement.

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