Date:20/06/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/06/20/stories/2003062004061300.htm

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

'Home Ministry misinforming Parliament about Kashmir situation'

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR June 19. Maintaining that the "healing touch" policy was the real solution to Kashmir's problems, the CPI(M) leader, Somnath Chatterjee, today accused the Union Home Ministry of "misinforming Parliament" about the situation by not disclosing the problems of the common people here.

Mr. Chatterjee, on a visit to the State as the head of a Parliamentary Standing Committee, said his impression on Kashmir had considerably changed after coming here. "We are being misinformed by the Ministry of Home Affairs which tells us about the problems of security forces and nothing is said about the problems of the people. The latter, although, should have been a priority." The major right of the people was to live with honour and dignity. "Your fight is our fight and a vast majority of the right-thinking men are with you," he said.

At a reception given to him by the State CPI(M) unit, he said: "The people of Kashmir have proved they are a part and parcel of India by displaying exemplary courage and participating in the elections. But, what was legitimately due to you was not given to you. That needs to be rectified." He called for joint efforts to fight the communal forces in the country.