The Modi government has struck a big blow at democracy and the Constitution by scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution and dismantling the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

The people of Kashmir had acceded to India in the face of invaders from Pakistan and a solemn commitment had been made to them by the Indian State to provide them with special status and autonomy which was embodied in Article 370. The Modi government has betrayed the people of Jammu & Kashmir by going back on this commitment.

It is universally acknowledged that the unity of India lies in its diversity. The BJP-RSS rulers cannot tolerate any diversity and the federal principle. They are treating Jammu & Kashmir as occupied territory. Trampling on the Constitution, they are converting Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh as two centrally-ruled Union Territories. This is the biggest attack on national unity and the concept of India as a Union of States.

The run-up to these authoritarian measures have seen tens of thousands of troops being deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, detention of leaders of major political parties and movement of public prohibited. This itself shows that the Modi government is imposing its diktats without the consent of the people.

The strengthening of the bonds of the people of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India should have been through the process of political dialogue with all stakeholders, as promised by the government three years ago. Instead, such an unilateral step will only deepen the alienation. This is harmful for the unity and integrity of India.

The CPI(M) denounces these measures taken by the Modi government. They are illegal and unconstitutional. This is not an issue confined to Jammu & Kashmir alone, they constitute an attack on democracy, secularism and the Constitution itself.

The people of India are being forewarned that such authoritarian attacks will take place on their democratic and constitutional rights.

This is the time to stand with the people of Jammu & Kashmir and mobilise the people to resist this onslaught on the Constitution and federalism.

The CPI(M) calls upon all democratic-minded people to join the all-India protest day called by the Left parties on August 7.

Stop the Destruction of the State of Jammu & Kashmir

Defend Article 370 of the Constitution