The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on July 11. THE Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Kashmir. Till now it has been reported that over 25 people, mostly youth have been killed and hundreds injured. Massive people’s unrest erupted after the encounter death of Burhan Wani and his associates. The brutal force used against protesters by the police and the armed forces that resulted in these unfortunate killings is condemnable. The administration should desist from using such excessive force against the protesters. Those responsible for killing innocent unarmed protesters must be identified and punished. The present growing unrest is also an expression of intense people’s alienation, anger against the oppressive policies and killings of unarmed civilians by security forces. While the activities of the extremist groups need to be checked to maintain law and order and civilian rule, it cannot be an excuse for such use of force against stone-throwing protesters. Both the central government and the state government, in which the BJP is a coalition partner, must immediately initiate the political process of dialogue with all political forces and groups to end this growing strife in the state and to restore peace and normalcy. At the central level, the union home minister must convene an all party meeting immediately.