THE state committee of the CPI(M) convened a day-long meeting on April 20 for threadbare deliberations on various issues of public importance particularly the recent civilian killings in Handwara area and crisis incited at the National Institute of Technology (NIT).

Referring to civilian killings in Kupwara district, the committee strongly condemned the firing incident at the hands of security forces and demanded a time bound judicial probe into these incidents. It was also opined that the army should be delinked from dealing with law and order and its footprints be reduced in civilian areas. The committee stressed on the need for a thorough review of security situation at the highest level and demanded that the security force bunkers/outposts installed in civilian areas across the Kashmir valley be removed forthwith. It was also enjoined upon the authorities to ensure strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by security forces particularly while dealing with any kind of law and order situation.

Taking a strong exception to the curbs imposed on freedom of expression particularly the viewpoints being articulated on social networking sites and mobile phone applications, the committee resolved that while there is a need for a genuine regulatory mechanism, the spirit of dissent should be respected and allowed in the larger interests of a democratic polity. Restrictions being imposed and brutal use of force against the protesters who take to streets in support of their demands for a dignified livelihood, ration and other basic amenities should also be done away with. 

The authorities must adopt more humane approach while dealing with the people who want to give vent to their anger against an incident of injustice or any rights abuse.

The crisis at NIT was a result of a deliberate attempt by certain vested interests who wanted to bring disrepute to traditional communal harmony and the pluralistic ethos of the state and the mishandling was a contributory factor.  For the last several years, there has not been any such incident in this institute, despite the fact that Kashmir valley remained disturbed and mass protests took place in 2008 and 2010.

A number of non-local students of the institute who explicitly articulated their dismay on the negative reactions of vested interests around the crisis was highly appreciated. Gestures of local students who came forward during this crisis to work towards peace and harmony in the institute was also hailed.

The committee cautioned the HRD ministry to deal with the situation at NIT carefully and allow the college administration to sort out the issues with the students amicably. While the genuine grievances of the students should be addressed at the earliest, the government should also make serious efforts for the removal of security related complaints of Kashmiri students who are being harassed outside J&K.

The situation in Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) Rajouri is a matter of concern and the authorities must ensure that peace and harmony is quickly restored.

The meeting was presided over by senior CPI(M) leader Sham Prasad Kesar, while the political report was presented by the CPI(M) state secretary, GN Malik.