Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury Monday said that it is the right time to renew India-Kashmir relationship and start from the very thread that connected the both in 1948.Yechuri told news agency CNS that he doesn’t take it to heart that Syed Ali Geelani refused to meet. “Please understand that it was not a snub. In fact we understand the ground reality and realize that there is a need for the government to start an unconditional dialogue with all stakeholders, including separatists, for peace in Kashmir which is witnessing unabated violence,” he said and added that last time he had a detailed meeting with Geelani and may be the failure in follow up was the reason, separatist leader didn’t come forward.He added the solution of Kashmir problem lies in unconditional political dialogue.
Responding to a question, Yechuri said that except Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Ahemd Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq met them but didn’t talk on Kashmir issue. “They in fact refused to talk on Kashmir issue but we met them and in fact talked that too not on weather,” he said.Yechuri admitted that there is trust deficit because of the mishandling of Kashmir situation and talks in past. “The Kashmir killings have disturbed me. I am deeply and genuinely concerned and want Government of India to resolve this issue in the interest of people. We have already taken a position and there is possibility we can rewind the clock back to 1948. India must go to the 1948 position to reassure Kashmir that it cares about them,” he said. (CNS)