01 November 2004	Monday	17 Ramazan 1425

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Indian communist parties are opposed to any division of Jammu and Kashmir along communal lines, the head of the main communist party in Jammu and Kashmir said on Sunday.

Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of Jammu and Kashmir said an alternative and conceptual framework based on a number of fresh ideas could be considered, taking into account the aspirations of the people of the disputed region.

"There are many possible solutions which can only emerge out of widest possible democratic dialogue," he added.

"The ethos and glorious traditions of communal harmony and plurality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have to be strengthened if any viable solution is opted for," Mr Tarigami told the United News of India.

He said there had been views emerging from different quarters - both within and outside the region - which sought to suggest solution of the Kashmir issue on communal lines.

"Any such formula amounts to disregarding the historical ethos of our people and suggest that diversity is a liability. In fact, it has, and will remain, an asset for the people of Jammu and Kashmir residing in different regions and having different faiths," he added.

Mr Tarigami said Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's characterization and proposed division of the state into seven regions was 'unfounded' though it had evoked a debate among various sections of society in the state and rest of the region.