CPM blames abolition of Article 370 for J&K unrest
T'puram: CPM state secretary MV Govindan said on Friday that the abrogation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, was a key factor that fomented unrest in the valley, resulting in the
terrorist attack in Pahalgam
.
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Whenever the Centre tried to meddle with the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, it faced setbacks and peace was hit, he added.
Addressing a news conference after CPM's state secretariat meeting, Govindan said the terrorist group that claimed responsibility for the attack had set the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir's special status as its primary demand. Govindan said CPM strongly condemned the attack and wanted the Centre to take suitable action against those behind the attack.
There were attempts to portray the attack as a Hindu-Muslim issue and such attempts to widen the divide between communities should be checked effectively, he said.
Govindan said CPM had warned the Centre of the consequences of abrogating Article 370, which honoured and protected the special status bestowed on Jammu and Kashmir, considering the peculiar characteristics of the people living there. Govindan said the BJP govt was making false claims regarding the improved living conditions after the abrogation of Article 370.
"Social life was severely hit after the abolition of Article 370. Education and health sectors were affected and unemployment increased substantially. But the Centre claimed that everything had improved drastically after the elimination of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
Govindan claimed that BJP supported certain terror outfits and struck a poll alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami in the last assembly election, which the Centre was forced to hold following the directive of the Supreme Court.
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He said attempts to divide people over faith should be avoided.
'Condemns cyberattack on Arati'
He also condemned the cyberattack against the daughter of N Ramachandran, who was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam. The cyberattack against Arati R Menon brought disgrace to Kerala, he said, adding that CPM would organize anti-terror programmes across Kerala on April 29 and 30
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