People's Democracy

         CPI(M) Demands Special Package To J&K

Mohd Yusuf Tarigami, Jammu & Kashmir state secretary of the CPI(M) issued the following statement on May 26:

FOR the State of Jammu & Kashmir - a unique mosaic of diverse regions, religions and cultures - the re-assertion of pluralism by the largest electorate in the world, in the just-concluded poll, cannot but be a matter of welcome relief. Yet, the minefield strewn with explosives, in the form of a saffronised administrative machinery carefully crafted by the ousted NDA regime, cannot be underestimated. Thus, a consistent struggle to defend the secular values, and not complacency, has to be the watchword for the new dispensation of the United Progressive Alliance that has taken over at the centre.

It goes without saying that in a state, where the hangover of the history has acted as a formidable roadblock in its onward march, addressing the tension in the region assumes pivotal importance. In this context, the task of normalisation of relations and creating friendly ties with Pakistan needs to be pursued with a unique sincerity of purpose. This envisages fresh and bold initiatives to carry forward and strengthen the peace process in the sub-continent. Further, it calls for an all-inclusive, sustained and structured dialogue, which should inspire confidence among all the participants through concrete acts and not mere rhetoric. It needs to be emphasized here that the UPA cannot afford to treat the matter from merely the angle of improving its electoral prospects, as the BJP led coalition (NDA) sought to do. The new alliance should not only act but also seen to be acting as an instrument for a durable solution of issues and removing of tensions, which have, so far, provided handle to the hawkish elements to derail the peace efforts.

In the meantime the sufferings of the common man cannot be put on the backburner. As a first measure, the UPA has to build a mechanism, which must ensure that the life, dignity and liberty of the common man in Kashmir does not become a casualty to what is known as operations by the law enforcing agencies. The underlying causes behind the public perception — that the major portion of the State force gets — directed towards the common people, has to be removed.

In the backdrop of last fifteen years of colossal destruction of infrastructure, coupled with unprecedented bloodshed, extra-ordinary measures from the new central regime are expected to address the economic chaos, especially the massive joblessness in the State. For this special economic package and extra-ordinary recruitment reservations for the jobless youth of the State need to be formulated and implemented on a war-footing, besides designing a well thought-out policy for employment generation.

The devastation caused by untimely snow and rains in the valley to vast sections of kisans, fruit growers, Gujjars and Bakarwals during the election campaigning has not even been assessed properly, not to speak of providing any relief. The new regime at the centre must come out with yet another package for providing immediate relief to the victims of calamity. (INN)