Hitting out at the Modi government for an ‘Israeli-model military occupation’ in Jammu and Kashmir, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury called on Indian patriots to join the battle for the soul and character of the country.
Speaking at a seminar at the AKG hall here on Tuesday on the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and convert the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, he said the manner in which the changes were implemented was undemocratic, unconstitutional and anti-federal.
Attack on federalism
“This is a direct attack on federalism. This is very dangerous for Indian democracy and constitution,” he said.
“Kashmir chose to join India and not Pakistan because that country said it would remain an Islamic State with feudal control. India chose land reforms and a democratic structure. Sheikh Abdullah, who implemented land reforms soon after, was playing a progressive role, while the Praja Parishad, the predecessor of the current BJP, an opposite role,” said Mr. Yechury.
He called out the disinformation being spread that J&K is the only State having special status, pointing out the 10 other articles in the Indian constitution dealing with special status for Northeastern States, Andhra and others. The same condition that no one from outside can buy land in the State applies to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Northeastern states. Kashmir was targeted because it was the only Muslim-majority State. The BJP’s communal agenda was behind this move, he said.
Not just in Kashmir
Mr. Yechury said the ‘undemocratic’ attempts by the government were not only confined to Kashmir, but was evident in the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.
NRC issue
“More than 41 lakh people do not find their name in the register. No country in the world will accept them. Most of them are born in the country. Last week, a Gazettee notification was issued to complete NRC across the country by 2020. They are also bringing in the anti-constitutional Citizenship Amendment Bill. What else is this but a sort of ethnic cleansing?” he asked.
