Gulistan News Desk 05/04/2025 : The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral decisions taken by the BJP-led Central Government on August 5, 2019, which nullified Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution. These actions, coupled with a series of arbitrary legislations and humiliating administrative steps, have led to the dismemberment and downgrading of the historic state of Jammu & Kashmir. The abrogation of statehood and the bifurcation into two Union Territories created a deep political void and intensified feelings of alienation and uncertainty among the people.
Since then, civil liberties, human rights, and democratic freedoms have been systematically eroded. The misuse of draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) has led to a surge in arbitrary arrests. Hundreds of political leaders, activists, and journalists remain detained—both within and outside the region. Young people are being denied job opportunities under the pretext of security clearance, and many are unable to obtain passports due to vague or unjustified grounds.
Historically, Jammu & Kashmir enjoyed special rights protecting land ownership and employment, dating back to the time of Maharaja Hari Singh. These provisions barred non-residents from acquiring land or public sector jobs in the region—rights that continue to exist in various forms in other Indian states. The arbitrary revocation of these protections has further deepened public anxiety and contributed to economic insecurity.
The economic situation in J&K continues to deteriorate. The grand promises of development, investment, and employment have not materialized. Daily-wage workers suffer from irregular payments, while critical sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, and transport remain in deep distress. Apple growers, in particular, are facing mounting challenges in the absence of legal safeguards like a Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Since 2019, governance has been driven by executive orders—changing domicile laws, tightening media restrictions, and intimidating government employees. Despite these oppressive conditions, the recent Assembly elections, held after a seven-year gap, witnessed enthusiastic public participation. The people clearly rejected attempts by the BJP to polarize the electorate along communal and regional lines and to influence the outcome using money power and proxies. This democratic verdict is a clear repudiation of the unconstitutional decisions of August 5, 2019, and the repressive policies that followed.
However, the Central Government continues to undermine this democratic mandate. Despite assurances made in Parliament and the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood, the BJP government—through its appointed Lieutenant Governor—is obstructing the functioning of the elected Omar Abdullah government. The mass transfer of J&K cadre officials has further fuelled concerns and undermined the authority of the elected legislature.
Therefore, the 24th Party Congress of the CPI(M) demands:
Immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir as a step towards reinstating its special status.
Protection of land and job rights for the permanent residents of the region.
Restoration of democratic, civil, and trade union rights.
Release of political prisoners and journalists, and the assurance of freedom of the press.
An end to indiscriminate arrests of youth based on vague or fabricated charges.
We call upon all secular and democratic forces across the country to stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir, and to defend their legitimate constitutional rights and democratic aspirations.
