[Marxistindia] Withdraw restrictions in J&K

[news from the cpi(m)]

September 30, 2019

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued  
the following statement:

Withdraw Restrictions in Jammu & Kashmir

The announcement by the Chief Election Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir  
of Block Development Council polls in Jammu & Kashmir on October 24,  
is a travesty of democracy. It is an attempt to portray to the world  
that “normalcy” prevails when in fact for the last two months there  
has been an unprecedented clampdown on communications, movement of  
citizens and continued incarceration of political leaders and  
activists. The elections to the BDCs in such a situation will be  
nothing but a sham.

Further, the electoral college for the BDC elections comprises of  
panches and sarpanches. However over 61 per cent seats of panches and  
sarpanches are lying vacant, mainly in the 138 blocks in the valley,  
owing to peoples non participation in the elections which were held in  
December 2018. It is self evident that before holding BDC polls, the  
State Election Commission must hold elections to fill these vacant  
posts.

This entire farcical exercise is planned by the Central Government.  
Amit Shah, the country’s Home Minister made a simultaneous statement  
that there are no restrictions in J&K but only in the minds of those  
who oppose the government. Instead of quoting figures of patients in  
OPDs or landlines working, he should first answer why internet  
connections and mobile phones have not been restored, why main bazars  
and shops remain closed, why schools are not functioning, why  
attendance in government offices is so poor and why are all leaders  
still in jail. These are not just restrictions but a continuing  
assault on democracy. The country’s Home Minister should stop  
misleading through untruths.

The CPI(M) reiterates its demand for restoration of normalcy, release  
of all political leaders and activists and elections to be held after  
the right to political activity is restored.



(Hari Singh Kang)
For Central Committee Office