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National

National

J&K: CPI(M) for multipronged approach

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday suggested a multi-pronged approach including creation of peace zones to resolve the political tussle between the Congress and the People's Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir over the withdrawal of security forces in the State.

Noting that despite the presence of over one lakh armed troops, the people of the State remain vulnerable to terrorist violence, the party said even though there was some breakthrough leading to the initiation of certain confidence building measures, instances of cross-border terrorism continue to make this area vulnerable. Recent reports of misuse and abuse of power by the armed forces led naturally to widespread protests and deepened the sense of insecurity.

On the positive side, the party said it was a relief to note that the year 2006 witnessed a 16 per cent decline in the number of terrorist incidents and a 28 per cent decline in civilian killings. The number of civilians killed in 2006 is perhaps the lowest in a calendar year in the two-decade long history of militancy in the State.

"It is absolutely imperative that the people of Kashmir must be given both moral and material support in these beleaguered times. We have consistently been advocating a multi-pronged approach to tackle the situation," an editorial in the latest party organ People's Democracy said.

Asserting that there can be no compromise in meeting the threat to India's internal security, it said all the political forces in the State, both in and outside of the government, must be brought into the ambit of talks and consultations to evolve a political solution.

Dialogue with Pakistan must continue and the possibilities of accepting more confidence building measures must be explored and implemented, it suggested and added that an increase in developmental activities to strengthen the economic and social infrastructure in the state and providing employment opportunities for the Kashmiri people must be implemented. Confidence-building measures must be initiated to strengthen the resolve of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.

The party said on the last count, it had through its state secretary suggested in November, 2004, identification of peace zones within the state from where the centre would withdraw its armed forces.

"Those who argue that such zones can become magnets for terrorist activities will do well to remember that the State police and other armed wings will continue to ensure peace in these regions," the editorial said. For instance, it said Srinagar now has no or little presence of Central forces.

However, this could be tried out for a certain period of time and, if indeed, terrorist activities increase in these areas, then the necessary steps can be taken by re-inducting the Central forces.

To begin with, some pockets could be identified and if they succeed, it could be extended to larger areas. However, this should be done with the involvement of all political forces in Jammu and Kashmir should not be, in any way, linked with other political agendas of domestic political compulsions in the State. "For instance, the demand for the withdrawal of the Central armed forces cannot and should not be linked with the issue of governance of the State like the PDP has recently suggested."

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