The Communist Party of India-Marxis has strongly condemned the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir during its 13th State Conference held in Jammu on Tuesday.  According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing the open session, CPI-M Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat termed the revocation of Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019, as unconstitutional and a betrayal of the assurances given to the people of J&K in 1947. 

 “The Modi government’s unilateral decision to dismantle an existing state and turn it into two Union Territories was against the principles of democracy,” Karat said, urging all secular and democratic forces to unite in the demand for the restoration of J&K’s status.  MY Tarigami, CPI-M senior leader echoed similar sentiments, calling the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A a blatant attack on the constitutional rights of Kashmiri people.

He reminded that Maharaja Hari Singh had enacted laws in 1927 and 1932 to protect the land and job rights of locals. The BJP government’s move to revoke these protections, he said, was a historic injustice.  “The people of J&K have been humiliated by the decision to downgrade a historic state into Union Territories,” Tarigami said, emphasizing that the constitutional guarantees provided to the Kashmiri people were meant to safeguard its unique identity. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Ashok Dhawale, President of All India Kisan Sabha, criticized the government for implementing pro-corporate policies at the cost of the working class, highlighting the farmers’ year-long struggle that led to the repeal of contentious farm laws.  The CPI-M leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting for the rights of the Kashmiri people and called upon progressive forces across India to push for the restoration of Article 370 and full statehood for IIOJK.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)