CPI (M) Workers Protest in Srinagar Against Yechury Being Named in Delhi Riot Case

Srinagar: Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) gathered on Monday, September 14, at Srinagar’s Press Enclave to protest against the naming of party general secretary Sitaram Yechury in a disclosure statement accompanying a chargesheet in relation to the February riot case in the national capital.

Dozens of party workers, holding placards, raised slogans condemning the charges against Yechury Apart from the CPI (M) general secretary, economist Jayati Ghosh, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand, Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav and documentary filmmaker Rahul Roy have also been named in the supplementary chargesheet.

The riots broke out in Northeast Delhi after clashes occurred between groups supporting and opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). At least 53 persons were killed in the violence while hundreds of others were left injured, many of them grievously.

“We condemn the Delhi police’s action against Sitaram Yechury and demand that his name should be withdrawn from the false case,” a party worker Abdul Rashid said. 

While protesting against what they termed as a “false case” against the CAA dissidents, the party workers also called for the release of Kashmiri prisoners. “We demand the release of all Kashmiri prisoners who have been jailed either within the state or outside in various jails across the country,” Rashid added.

Maintaining its opposition to the move of Article 370 abrogation, the protesters also demanded the restoration of 4G services in the Calley which have been suspended in the region since the abrogation move in August 5 last year.

The CPI(M) in Kashmir is one of the signatories of the ‘Gupkar declaration’ which is a loose coalition of six political parties demanding the pre-abrogation status for Jammu and Kashmir. It includes the reversal of the decision which divided the region into two union territories, carving Ladakh division as a separate UT.

The workers also highlighted the plight of youth in the region and demanded an “unemployment allowance” for them in the wake of increasing uncertainty and economic distress.

The national highway should be kept functional round the clock for the transportation of fruits especially apples, now that the harvest season has arrived, the workers further pointed out, who are expected to continue their protest program from September 17 to 22.

Also watch: It is My Right and Duty to Protect the Indian Constitution: Sitaram Yechury