Srinagar, Aug 05 (KNS): The central committee of the CPI(M), which is in session in New Delhi has passed a resolution regarding holding of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS) a spokesperson said that the last five years under Central rule have seen steps to alter the very identity of Jammu and Kashmir with change in domicile laws and land rights.

The statement reads that there is a concerted move to change the demography of the state. “The period has seen large scale detention of political leaders and activists using draconian laws like the Public Safety Act and UAPA. Hundreds of political prisoners are still in detention, many of them in jails outside J&K.”

It reads that despite tall claims, the economic situation has deteriorated with high unemployment, estimated to be three times of the national average.

“The livelihood of different sections of the people like apple growers and small business owners have been adversely affected. The media has faced severe state repression. Guidelines have been issued to impose censorship and curb freedom of expression. Various journalists are under detention under the draconian laws,” it added.

It added that the basic denial of democracy and democratic rights to the people is seen most acutely in the failure to hold assembly elections to the J&K assembly.

“Even after a delimitation exercise that was weighted to favour BJP’s interests and reducing the representation of the people of Kashmir valley, the Central government is not holding elections.”

It reads that thus, in all respects, the people of J&K have been reduced to second class citizens. “The Central Committee of the CPI(M), therefore, demands that elections be held immediately. Restoration of democracy requires the release of all political prisoners and an end to the use of draconian laws to suppress the political opposition and the media.”

It further reads that the Centre should reverse all the measurers that erode the domicile status of the permanent residence of J&K and protect their land rights,

It added that the Central Committee expresses solidarity with the democratic forces and the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle to restore their rights. (KNS)