Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Reduce the Sufferings of Kashmiri Masses: CPI(M)

In the backdrop of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s present visit to Jammu and Kashmir, J&K State Committee of  CPI(M) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the current scenario of the state. In a statement issued here today, the party unit alleged
that:
The disillusionment of people has steadily increased and the  expectations regarding improvement in the overall socio-economic  situation and progress of peace process have decreased. The hanging of Afzal Guru and some other unfortunate incidents have resulted in serious setback to the political process and reconciliation. In order to set things right and instill confidence, the political leaders, both at national and state level should introspect and take quick and adequate corrective measures. Till now, the valuable opportunities for peace and reconciliation in the state have not been fully availed. This has resulted in untold sufferings of the common masses. In order to reduce the sufferings of the people and usher an era of peace and prosperity in the region, the stalled Indo-Pak dialogue and the talks between Government of India and the various political sections of the state including the voices of dissent need to be given priority. The confidence building measures which had generated hope among the people on both sides of the LoC, like people to people contact and cross LOC trade need to be strengthened and followed with vigour and utmost seriousness. Relaxation in the regulations regarding travel papers,
replacement of barter system by the use of currency and banking facilities in cross LOC trade and provision of speedy communication facilities will make these CBMs meaningful and effective.

A shadow of fear still hovers certain sections of the younger generation as harsh and draconian laws like AFSPA and PSA continue to haunt them. This needs to be cleared and corrected. The cases of those languishing in jails outside the state should be taken on fast tract so that speedy justice is done. There should be an amount of tolerance towards the voices of protest and dissent. Violence in any form as a means of solution to our problems needs to be rejected out rightly. Apart from other aspirations of the youth, growing unemployment has resulted in frustration and alienation. This is proving harmful for peace and development in the state. Since there are no employment opportunities in private sector within the state, the Government of India should make result oriented efforts to get the educated and professionally trained youth of J&K absorbed in public and private sectors of the country.

The recommendations of different working groups and interlocutors aimed at providing relief to the people need to be reviewed and implemented. PM’s reconstruction programme regarding the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants deserves serious attention. Adequate relief to earth quake sufferers in the erstwhile Doda district must be ensured.

Corruption free good governance with accountability has been a long cherished dream of our people and could have proved an effective facilitator in seeking solutions to our current problems. Unfortunately this has not been achieved and we have miles to go for reaching this goal. In the same way, the institutionalization, decentralization and democratization of the administration continues to be a distant dream.