Hyderabad, September 26
The Maoists have thrown their weight behind the Kashmiris’ struggle for independence and said their fight for self-determination was completely justified.

“We firmly believe that Kashmiri movement for liberation and their right to self-determination is completely justified and that neither India nor Pakistan has any right over them,” the CPI (Maoist) said in a statement.

Accusing the security forces of carrying out “massacres” and oppressing the democratic rights of people, the Maoists demanded immediate withdrawal of army and paramilitary forces from the valley, repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and unconditional release of all political prisoners.

The statement, signed by a spokesman of the central committee, Abhay, and secretary of the central regional bureau, Anand, called for an all-India bandh on September to “protest the massacre of Kashmiris by the armed forces”.

“The determination and sacrifices of Kashmiris will forever be etched in the annals of history. We express deep condolences to all the martyrs' families and to the whole Kashmiri society who had lost their beloved sons and daughters to the bullets of the troops,” the statement said.