In a statement issued a day after its Polit Bureau meeting, the Left party also warned against the misuse of the incident to stoke communal tensions and expressed concern over rising polarisation
The CPI (M) Polit Bureau meeting was held on Saturday. Pic/X
The CPI(M) on Sunday called the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam a “major security lapse” and demanded a thorough investigation to fix accountability, while stressing on the urgent need to identify and punish the perpetrators, reported news agency PTI.
In a statement issued a day after its Polit Bureau meeting, the Left party also warned against the misuse of the incident to stoke communal tensions and expressed concern over rising polarisation.
The CPI(M) observed a minute’s silence for the 26 victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives. Emphasising the need for a strategic response, the party urged the government to prepare a comprehensive dossier on the attack and present it to the international community, PTI reported.
“The terrorist attack was the result of a major security lapse. This must be enquired into and responsibility fixed so that remedial measures are taken,” the statement said.
The Polit Bureau further condemned the hate campaign targeting Muslims and Kashmiris on social media, along with reported attacks on individuals.
While acknowledging the government’s diplomatic steps aimed at curbing terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the CPI(M) said efforts must be focused on identifying those directly responsible for the attack and their handlers.
First statement by the new #CPIM Polit Bureau which held its meeting on May 3 pic.twitter.com/YjVl5wB4rM
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) May 4, 2025
Centre should weigh in if military response will deter cross-border terrorism: CPI (M)
“The matter should be taken up with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for suitable intervention. The government should seriously weigh whether a military response will serve the purpose of curbing cross-border terrorism and act as a deterrent,” it added.
The party praised the people of Kashmir for condemning the attack and holding protests, calling it “the most significant event”. It noted that the valley observed a shutdown in response.
“It is this popular sentiment which must be built upon to isolate the terrorist elements in Jammu and Kashmir. No measures should be taken, such as the demolition of houses of terrorists, which affects innocent families and alienates people,” the CPI(M) cautioned.
The statement also addressed the growing communal tensions following the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government. The CPI(M) alleged that Muslim properties were being selectively targeted and accused the BJP of using the legislation to further religious polarisation, reported PTI.
The party pointed to remarks by ruling party leaders about extending scrutiny to Church-owned properties and said: “The real intention appears to be the appropriation of assets belonging to all minority communities, thereby undermining their constitutionally guaranteed rights and protections.”
It also warned that the situation was being exploited by Muslim extremist groups, which, in turn, played into the hands of “Hindutva communal forces”.
‘Operation Kagar has created fear among adivasis in Chhattisgarh’
On domestic policy, the Polit Bureau welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming general census, calling it a “positive decision”. However, it criticised the lack of clarity on the modalities and demanded that the Centre announce a timeline for conducting the long-pending census.
The CPI(M) also strongly criticised Operation Kagar, the Centre’s offensive against Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh, and said that it had created a climate of fear among Adivasis.
“The Maoists have proposed a dialogue with the government. The lives of innocent Adivasis must not be lost in the crossfire. The government should accept the offer of peace talks, as the issue cannot be resolved solely through the use of arms,” the party stated.
On the Bihar Assembly Elections, likely to be held by the end of the year, the party said that it has begun its preparations and is already in talks with the allies in the Mahagathbandhan coalition.
(With PTI inputs)
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