NEITHER military nor militancy is solution to Kashmir issue. It is a political issue which can be settled only through political initiatives, said Mohd Yousuf Tarigami, CPI(M) senior leader in a statement issued on May 5.

The crackdown launched in South Kashmir areas is not a proper response to the emerging situation. Our experience says crackdowns launched earlier have not succeeded in addressing the real source of the unrest. The real problem is deep rooted alienation and government of India seems to be reluctant to acknowledge that. There is huge trust deficit and the priority should have been to initiate measures which could create an atmosphere of confidence. On the contrary the government is not paying any attention to this area; instead is overburdening the security forces only.

Modi government shows no signs of changing its approach in tackling the situation in the valley. The authorities must listen to the voices of the dissent and initiate a credible and sustainable process of dialogue to sort out the issues. Delay is bound to compound the crisis further. 

Tarigami expressed deep sorrow and grief over the unfortunate killing of driver Nazir Ahmad Shiekh of Kachdoora Shopian.