Kashmir

The CPI(M) has decided that all its Members of Parliament shall donate a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs from their MPLADS funds for relief and rehabilitation of those who have suffered in the recent unprecedented floods in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. This is in accordance with the rules of the MPLADS that provide for such a prescribed amount of contribution by the MPs in an event of a national disaster. ..Thus a total of Rs. 10 crores will be contributed by the CPI(M) Members of Parliament towards relief and rehabilitation activities in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the brutal firing by the BSF on protesters in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir killing at least four civilians and causing serious injuries to scores of others. At least 13 injured in the firing have been admitted to a hospital. The CPI(M) demands immediate action against those BSF personnel responsible for the killing.

The manner in which the death sentence was executed has come in for valid criticism. The rejection of the mercy petition.....

The demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992 was a criminal offence and an assault on the secular principle. It is true that this was not a matter being considered by the Special Bench. However, there are apprehensions that the reasoning set out in the judgements may be taken as a post-facto justification for the demolition. The cases pertaining to the demolition which are being heard by other courts have to be seriously pursued.

The eight-point proposal announced by the Central Government for Jammu & Kashmir is a step in the right direction. However, it is insufficient. More needs to be done to instill confidence among the people and to help restore peace and normalcy.

We have to understand that there can be no solution to the Kashmir problem without taking into account the feelings and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. ..The Centre should spell out that there can be a dialogue process without any side setting pre-conditions. It would be better if the Prime Minister appoints a senior political figure who can monitor this process.

The political process should begin and dialogue should be initiated with all sections in the state. For this, an all party delegation should be sent to Kashmir to hear the views of different sections of the people.

The CPI(M) is of the opinion that only by recognizing the special status of the state and assuring the Kashmiri people of their identity that a solution can be found. This requires a new political framework in which the bedrock is maximum autonomy.