24th Congress: CPI(M) demands full statehood to J&K, slams Centre’s post-Aug 2019 actions

Srinagar, Apr 05: The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has adopted a resolution demanding the restoration of full statehood and “democratic freedoms” in Jammu & Kashmir. It denounced the Central government’s actions following the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.
According to a statement issued here, the CPI(M) leaders said the people of Jammu & Kashmir are experiencing a political void and heightened sense of alienation since the state’s bifurcation into two Union Territories. “The unconstitutional and disastrous decisions of August 5, 2019, have dismembered our historic state,” they said.
CPI(M) leaders have expressed serious concerns regarding the alleged erosion of civil liberties, human rights and democratic freedoms in the region. “Arbitrary arrests under draconian laws like the UAPA and PSA have become a disturbing norm, with hundreds of political activists and journalists still incarcerated,” the resolution states.
The resolution also highlighted the economic challenges facing the region, particularly for sectors like agriculture and horticulture. “Daily-wage workers are grappling with irregular payments, and apple growers are facing unprecedented challenges. The promises of development and job creation have proven hollow,” it mentioned.
Despite these challenges, the party said there was a robust turnout in the recent Assembly elections, which took place after a seven-year hiatus. “The public has clearly rejected the BJP-led government’s policies and demonstrated their demand for a return to democratic processes,” the statement added.
The CPI(M) has urged the Central government to respect the democratic verdict of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “Instead of honouring commitments made regarding the restoration of statehood, the BJP-led government continues to obstruct legitimate governance,” the resolution stated, referring to a series of recent actions by the Central government, including the transfers of J&K cadre officials that have raised further concerns.
The 24th Congress outlined several key demands in its resolution which include immediate granting of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir as a step towards the restoration of special status; protection of land and job rights for local residents; restoration of democratic, civil and trade union rights; an immediate release of political detainees and journalists, ensuring freedom of the press and an end to “indiscriminate arrests of youth on baseless charges”.
“The time has come for all secular and democratic forces to unite in defence of the legitimate and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” the party concluded in its resolution.