Restrain security forces in Kashmir: CPI

Srinagar/ April, 17: The CPI on Monday called for restraining the security forces from attacking civilians in Jammu and Kashmir to win the confidence of the people in the state, which has been rattled by a series of fresh clashes.

A party statement expressed “a serious concern” over the “growing alienation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir” that it said was reflected in the lowest ever 7 per cent turnout of voters in the by-election to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency on April 12.

“The anger and frustration reflected in the boycott of election by a large number of people,” the statement said.

It said the state and central governments were trying to handle the Kashmir situation as a mere law and order problem which has “worsened the situation and alienated the people in a big way”.

It also mentioned about “the rampant use of army, using of human beings as shield by the army to curb rising protests and branding all protesters as anti-nationals have further angered the voters there”.

The Communist Party of India statement was referring to an incident of a young Kashmiri tied to the front of a military van, paraded and used as a shield from stone pelters. The incident caused huge outrage and sparked more protests in the valley.

The “shocking incident needs to be probed thoroughly and strong action is needed to stop such inhuman acts by armed forces in the name of maintaining law and order”, the statement said.

The party reiterated that “the only way peace could be brought back in the valley was through dialogue with all the stakeholders”.

“Both the central and state governments have lost the confidence of the people there. Nothing can restore confidence except honest action for implementation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Also steps should be taken simultaneously to restrain the army from attacking the civilians.”