Communist Party leader tells Modi to act wise and start talks with Pakistan

Photo: NDTV

Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has called on Narendra Modi to initiate “diplomatic and political” talks with Pakistan to prevent further escalation of conflicts between the two nuclear rivals.

In an interview to Indian media on Saturday, Sitaram Yechury said India should initiate talks with Pakistan “so that some degree of understanding and agreement can be reached.”

“Understanding and agreement” are necessary to eliminate any threat of cross-border terrorism, he added.

Tensions between the two countries mounted earlier this week when Indian forces resorted to cross-border firing at the Line of Control – a move India termed as “surgical strike”.

Pakistan however rejected Indian claim of a “surgical strike” and said the firing was unprovoked.

Conflict between the two countries has escalated over protests in Indian occupied Kashmir which have resulted in deaths of hundreds of civilians and injuries to thousands in clashes with the Indian forces.