The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
Strong Protest against Undermining Indian Parliament’s Sovereignty
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly protests the visit of some Members of Parliament from various European countries with rightwing credentials to Kashmir valley orchestrated by the Modi government. It is an affront of the Indian Parliament and its sovereignty, that while Indian MPs and political leadership of national parties are denied the freedom of visit the valley, reportedly some “private visit” by foreign Parliament Members is being allowed. Though it is claimed that this is a private visit, the Prime Minister has met them and they are also being briefed by the National Security Advisor.
There can be no special privilege for a group of foreign parliamentarians to visit the valley, while it is denied to others, including our own MPs and national political leadership with most of the known political leaders of the state continuing to remain in custody and detention.
While the situation in Kashmir continues to largely remain in lockdown and the trading bodies have recently reported a Rs. 10,000 crore hit on the economy during the last three months, denying visit by Indian political parties and MPs and allowing foreign MPs can never establish `normalcy’ that the government claims, but has no material basis.
The Polit Bureau categorically demands that all restrictions be removed for travel and movement in Kashmir. The Polit Bureau also reiterates its demand that the government takes urgent steps to stop all repressive measures and restore the democratic rights of the people.