CPI(M) Party Congress Demands Full Statehood and Restoration of Rights in Jammu & Kashmir

Madurai: The Communist Party of India (Marxist), at its 24th Party Congress held in Madurai, adopted a political resolution demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood and democratic rights in Jammu & Kashmir. The resolution strongly criticised the Central Government’s actions on August 5, 2019, when it abrogated Articles 370 and 35A, calling them “unconstitutional and disastrous.” These decisions, along with a series of arbitrary legislations and humiliating measures, dismembered and downgraded the historic state, leading to a deep political void and increasing alienation among its people.
The resolution expressed grave concern over the continuous erosion of civil liberties and democratic freedoms in the region. The party noted that arbitrary arrests under draconian laws like the UAPA and PSA have become the norm, with hundreds of political activists and journalists still incarcerated, both inside and outside Jammu & Kashmir. The youth of the region are facing systemic discrimination, being denied job opportunities under the pretext of security verification, and having their passports withheld on flimsy grounds.
The CPI(M) also highlighted the historical context of special rights regarding land and employment in Jammu & Kashmir, which had existed since the time of Maharaja Hari Singh. These rights, the resolution noted, were similar to protections provided in various other Indian states. However, in the case of Jammu & Kashmir, these safeguards were arbitrarily stripped away, intensifying the sense of insecurity among the population.
Economically, the resolution stated that the region has seen severe decline. The grand promises of development, investment, and job creation made by the Central Government have proven hollow. Daily-wage workers are suffering from irregular payments, and key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, and transport are in a deep crisis. Apple growers, in particular, are struggling in the absence of legal guarantees such as Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The party also condemned the continued governance of Jammu & Kashmir through executive orders and bureaucratic control. It pointed to the changes in domicile laws, restrictions on the press, and the intimidation of government employees as part of a larger authoritarian agenda. Despite these repressive conditions, the recent Assembly elections, held after a seven-year gap, saw significant voter turnout. The outcome of the elections delivered a clear verdict against the BJP-led government’s policies, including the August 5, 2019 decisions and the subsequent suppression of democratic rights.
However, the resolution alleged that the BJP-led Central Government has chosen to ignore this democratic verdict. Despite commitments made in Parliament and in the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood, the Centre continues to obstruct the functioning of the elected Omar Abdullah-led government. The recent mass transfer of Jammu & Kashmir cadre officials has further fuelled anxiety and undermined the legitimacy of the legislature.
In light of these developments, the CPI(M)’s 24th Party Congress has put forward a set of demands:

Immediate granting of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir as a step towards restoration of special status.

Protection of Land and Job rights.

Restoration of democratic, civil, and trade union rights.

Release of political detenues and journalists and ensuring freedom of the press.

End to indiscriminate arrests of youth on baseless charges.

A strong appeal to all secular and democratic forces to stand together in defence of the legitimate and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.