The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
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. It is, indeed, unprecedented that the faithful were not allowed to proceed to their traditional Idgah where prayers are offered on every Eid all across the Kashmir valley.
As per reports so far, two more lives has been lost and over 50 people injured in clashes with the security forces.
The all party delegation, upon return to Delhi, adopted a statement that was announced by the government wherein it was clearly stated that the Central and the state governments will take the initiative to start a political dialogue with all stakeholders. This was the 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. 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. This is the process through which the confidence of the people can be earned.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) 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.