People's Democracy

JAMMU & KASHMIR

CPI(M) For Further Improvement In Situation

IN a statement issued to the press on January 21 by its secretary, the Jammu & Kashmir state committee of the CPI(M) noted that the confidence building measures taken in the wake of a peace process initiated by the governments of India and Pakistan during the recent months, have justifiably created high expectations among vast sections of the people in the subcontinent. The party described as heartening the fact that major steps are being taken to revive the old and commence the new channels of communication between the two countries, besides manifesting an urgency to resolve contentious matters peacefully. Alongside, an internal dialogue between the deputy prime minister of India and the All Party Hurriyat Conference (Ansari) is under way. The party, however, felt this dialogue could have been made more broad based, with all the sections of the separatist platform in the state involved in it.

While registering its appreciation of the positive steps taken so far, the CPI(M) statement said it could not remain oblivious to the bloodshed, human indignity and sufferings that are still on in the unfortunate state. The innocent civilians still suffer in silence in face of guns and daily killings continue. Violation of human rights is still the fate of the common man and numerous youth are languishing in prisons without the semblance of a trial. Thousands are stranded across the line of control (LoC) with no hope to return. Jobless youth face extreme hardness and innocent lives present tales of agony. It is a bitter fact, but true, that the visa regime prevalent in both the countries does not allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to visit each other across the LoC. Even the delegations from the two countries visiting each other are not being permitted to visit either part of Jammu and Kashmir across the line.

The ceasefire announced by the two countries may have brought some relief to the people living near the LoC, but the Democles’ sword still hangs over the heads of millions in the state. The graph of the common people’s miseries and suffering continues to rise.

In view of this situation, the state unit of the CPI(M) has appealed to the two governments to ensure an effective ceasefire between the security forces in the state and the militants, so as to spare the innocent people of continuing bloodletting. The CPI(M) has also suggested that the government of India should gradually reduce the number of security forces meant for internal security in the state. It demanded that both the governments facilitate the return of youth stranded across the LoC to their homes, allowing them to lead a peaceful life. The party also demanded that interaction and visits by the people of the state across the line be permitted without any hindrance, and that the restrictions on delegations from the two countries to visit either part of Jammu and Kashmir must be removed. The party also demanded a comprehensive relief package for those who had to migrate from the border areas. Sincere efforts must be made to ensure a dignified return of the migrant Kashmir pundits to their homes. In this scenario, the youth deserve utmost consideration. The government of India must take special measures and formulate special packages to absorb this segment of society in socially useful avocations, the CPI(M) said.