SRINAGAR: CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Union Government over the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes, alleging that political activity and democratic expression in Jammu and Kashmir continued to face restrictions seven years later.
In a post on X, Tarigami described the 2019 decisions as a “systematic assault” on the relationship between the Union of India and Jammu and Kashmir and alleged that the government was continuing to narrow the space for dissent and political expression.
He also criticised the delay in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the BJP had not accepted the mandate delivered by voters in the 2024 Assembly elections.
“Despite repeatedly promising the restoration of statehood, it has failed to deliver,” Tarigami said, while alleging that the government was using “strong-arm methods” to restrict dissent and press freedom.
The CPI(M) leader’s remarks came on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganisation of the erstwhile State.
The constitutional changes were introduced on August 5, 2019, while the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, divided the former State into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with the reorganisation taking effect on October 31, 2019.
The 2024 Assembly election was the first held in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 changes. The National Conference emerged as the largest party and formed the government in alliance with the Congress, with Omar Abdullah becoming Chief Minister.
Restoration of full statehood has remained a key demand of the elected Jammu and Kashmir government and several political parties. The Union Government has maintained that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, without specifying a timeline.
Tarigami also alleged that restrictions on political activity and press freedom had continued in the Union Territory. The BJP and the Union Government, however, have defended the post-2019 framework, citing improvements in security, governance, development and the extension of Central laws and welfare schemes to Jammu and Kashmir.
