SRINAGAR: Extending full support to the ongoing peace process, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat on Wednesday asked the Centre to come up with clear initiatives to resolve the Kashmir issue. He advocated dialogue with all political forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

At the conclusion of a two-day visit to Srinagar, Mr. Karat told reporters that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government seemed to be unclear in its offer of dialogue with political groups in Kashmir.

"They have to do away with ambiguity and come up with clarity on the issue as to whom and what they have to talk," he said. "Talks should be held at political level. We want some real solution to the Kashmir problem."

"No political initiative"

On the inclusion of militants in the dialogue process, he said, "When I say `with all' it means `all'." At the last CPI (M) Polit Bureau meeting, it was felt that "the Central Government has so far failed to take political initiatives."

On the India-Pakistan peace process, Mr. Karat said it needed to be strengthened. "We would like to tell the UPA Government to work on strengthening India-Pakistan relations and hold discussions on Jammu and Kashmir." On the performance of the coalition led by the People's Democratic Party, he said, "We are not happy with the State Government. It has failed to meet some of the commitments like providing employment to one member of each family and dealing with the menace of corruption."

Transfer of power

Mr. Karat refused to comment on transfer of power in the State in November. "It is for the Congress and the PDP to decide. It is they who have to make up their minds."

The CPI (M) leader expressed concern over the deterioration in the human rights situation and said the democratic rights of people were being suppressed. Referring to the army killing of three teenagers in Kupwara district on July 24, Mr. Karat said, "It is a painful incident and should not be repeated."

Advising the security forces to observe restraint while fighting militancy, he said, "even if a militant attack takes place efforts should be there to avoid collateral damage."

Voicing concern over the role of Governors, he said that in various States it was felt that they tried to usurp the constitutional authority of Chief Ministers elected by the people. To a question about Bihar Governor Buta Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Governor S.K. Sinha's role in recent months, Mr. Karat said, "we are not happy with this situation."

Accompanied by CPI (M) deputy leader in Parliament Mohammad Saleem and party State secretary M.Y. Tarigami, Mr. Karat addressed a convention of the State unit. He discussed the political situation with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

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