The 22nd Congress of the CPI (M) expresses its deep concern at the steadily deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The alienation of the people in the valley has reached alarming proportions. This is a direct result of the Modi Government’s approach of using brutal force in the valley to suppress popular protests, devoid of any political approach. Local youth are joining the militancy in increasing numbers.
The PDP-BJP coalition government has deepened the communal divide between Jammu and the Valley. The result of the communal polarization was seen in the way the ghastly rape of an eight year old girl in Kathua was responded to by a communal mobilization in support of the accused.
The Modi government’s approach to Jammu and Kashmir is leading the state to disaster. The only way to retrieve the situation is for a political process to address the longstanding issue.
The 22nd Congress of the CPI (M) calls upon the Central government to reverse the hard line confrontationist approach and begin a political dialogue with all political shades of opinion. All democratic forces in the country must demand this of the Central Government.
This must be accompanied by a resumption of talks with Pakistan in which as part of the dialogue, the issue of Kashmir should also be taken up.