Terming imposition of curfew in Kashmir on Eid Ul Zuha as "unprecedented", CPI(M) today criticised Centre for sending additional forces to the Valley, saying the move can further complicate the situation and "retard" the process of return to peace there.
The move, it noted, was different from the suggestion of the all-party delegation on initiating dialogue with all stakeholders involved in Kashmir to ensure normalcy there.
"It is very unfortunate that, probably for the first time since independence, large scale curfew has been imposed all across the Kashmir valley on Eid Ul Zuha, Bakrid. The traditional Eid celebrations and the prayers that are offered were disturbed due to the closure of all major mosques in Srinagar city," party Politburo said in a statement.
Referring to insistence of the all-party delegation, which visited the Valley earlier this month, on holding dialogue with all stakeholders involved, CPI(M) said this is a process through which the return to peace and normalcy in Kashmir was proposed.
"Instead, the Central government sent additional security forces and undertook such measures which can further complicate the situation and retard the process of return to peace and normalcy," it said.
While there can be no compromise with national sovereignty, the return to normalcy in Kashmir will have to be based on the initiation of a political dialogue with all stakeholders, it added.
"The Politburo reiterates its demand, as agreed upon unanimously by the all-party delegation, that the political dialogue with all the stakeholders must be initiated immediately along with announcing the agreed upon confidence building measures," it added.
For the first time in many years, authorities today imposed curfew in all 10 districts of the Valley on Eid even as helicopters and drones have been pressed into service for surveillance.
Restrictions on assembly of large number of people have been imposed in view of the call by separatists for a march to the local offices of the United Nations today, coinciding with the global body's Opening of 71st Session of the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York today.
The Valley has been witnessing widespread unrest for over two months leading to death of over 75 people so far.
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