CPI (M) hits out at Centre for creating SIA in J&K, fears its misuse

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 3

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) hit out against the Centre on Wednesday for creating the State Investigating Agency (SIA) in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is only aimed to strengthen the “repressive apparatus” in this region.

CPI (M) central leader and MLA in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said the formation of one more agency empowered with “unbridled powers” is one more assault on democratic rights and civil liberties of citizens.

“In the name of fighting terrorism, these agencies and laws are being weaponised against the citizens who hold a different viewpoint from the government,” Tarigami, a member of PAGD, said.

“What was the need to add one more such agency when already NIA and UAPA  have created havoc  among the people by gross misuse of these draconian measures?”

He said he feared that the administration would turn the agency into a weapon against opponents.

The fight to defend democracy must encompass the struggle to get rid of these draconian laws,” Tarigami added.

The CPI (M) said that J&K was a political issue that needed political outreach.

“What was required to be done was to provide relief and not add harsh measures that would deepen their sense of alienation,” he said, adding that even eminent jurists in the country have expressed resentment over the draconian laws being passed by the government in the name of fighting terrorism.