CPI(M) today asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir Government to immediately initiate the process of dialogue to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, saying delay will only aggravate the situation.

Expressing concern at the "continued police" firing in Kashmir adding to the loss of lives of young persons, the party Polit Bureau said, the resort to lathi-charge, firing and tear gas shells have only delayed the task of finding a settlement to the Kashmir issue.

"The CPI(M) hopes that the Government of India as well as Government of Jammu and Kashmir will immediately take initiative in starting the process of dialogue with a view to find a just solution to the Kashmir issue. More delay will only aggravate the situation in the state and add to the difficulties," it said.

It said the police firing yesterday has killed one youth in Anantnag and injured five in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar. Five persons are also reported to have been injured in Kulgam and Bandipore where police used teargas and batons, it said.

The Polit Bureau said the party had already demanded that an all-party delegation visit Kashmir without any delay and commence dialogue with all sections of people without any pre-conditions to find a solution to the problem.