CPI(M) calls for restoration of Art 370, condemns J&K's bifurcation

Jammu, Feb 18: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] strongly condemned the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories during its 13th State Conference held in Jammu on February 17-18.

Addressing the open session, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat termed the revocation of Jammu and 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. He asserted that the move was a direct assault on the federal structure of India, adding that CPI(M) had organized nationwide protests to oppose the decision.

“The Modi government’s unilateral decision to dismantle an existing state and turn it into two Union Territories was against the principles of democracy and federalism,” Karat said, urging all secular and democratic forces to unite in the demand for the restoration of J&K’s statehood.

MY Tarigami, CPI(M) senior leader and former J&K legislator, echoed similar sentiments, calling the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A a blatant attack on the constitutional rights of J&K’s people.

He reminded that Maharaja Hari Singh had enacted laws in 1927 and 1932 to protect the land and job rights of J&K residents, which were later incorporated into the Indian Constitution as Article 35-A. 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 J&K 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 J&K’s people and called upon progressive forces across India to push for the restoration of Article 370 and full statehood for J&K.