Prakash Karat demands political initiative on Kashmir issue

CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat today demanded a "political initiative" and dialogue with all sections in Jammu and Kashmir to restore normalcy in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, the Left leader said that a CPI(M) delegation had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which he claimed was "another major source of unrest".

"We have been asking for the amendment of AFSPA to remove certain draconian provisions. But immediately to solve the problem, the Disturbed Areas Act should be withdrawn from Srinagar as this will make the use of AFSPA redundant in the city," he said.

He also demanded a relief and rehabilitation package for those injured in recent clashes in the Valley. 

Karat expressed the hope that the cabinet committee on security will take some initiative to bring normalcy after which talks can be held with all sections of society to resolve the Kashmir issue.

The present approach to deal with the situation in Kashmir through the security forces will not result in improvement of the situation, he claimed. 

Karat said that the demand for autonomy in Kashmir could be one of the options which could be considered under the political initiative which the Centre must take. 

"Article 370 granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir has been diluted. Autonomy issue is relevant. It should be among the possible solutions which can be considered under the political initiative," Karat added.