Date:16/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/16/stories/2006051618271200.htm

National

CPI(M) wants talks on quota

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Condemning the "brutal" cane charge by police against medical students protesting reservation in higher education in Mumbai, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) said there was need for talks on various options including increase in the number of seats.

The party Parliamentary leaders, Basudeb Acharia and Mohammed Salim, urged the media and political parties not to whip up emotions on the issue and also appealed to the medical students/doctors not to fall prey to the casteist elements.

Mr. Salim said the country could not deny providing reservation since the country had been experiencing casteism for thousands of years.