CPI M Polit Bureau Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Demands Thorough Investigation

New Delhi: The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met in New Delhi on May 3 and issued a wide- ranging statement on recent national and international developments.
The CPI M expressed deep sorrow over the killing of 26 people in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, calling it a horrific act and observing a minute’s silence. The party held the attack as a result of a serious security lapse and demanded an investigation to fix accountability. The Polit Bureau highlighted the public outcry in Kashmir, including a valley-wide shutdown, and stressed the need to build on this sentiment to isolate terrorist elements. It warned against collective punishment measures such as demolishing homes of alleged terrorists, which often harm innocent families and alienate the local population.
The Polit Bureau condemned the ongoing hate campaign against Muslims and Kashmiris on social media and attacks on individuals. It said such bigotry serves only to divide people and aligns with the objectives of terrorist forces.
The CPI M acknowledged the government's diplomatic efforts targeting terrorist outfits based in Pakistan but emphasised the importance of identifying and exposing the perpetrators and their handlers before the international community. It called for taking the matter to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and urged caution on any military response, questioning its effectiveness as a long-term deterrent.
The Central government’s decision to conduct a caste census along with the general census was welcomed as a positive step long demanded by the party. However, the CPI M noted that the government has yet to declare a proper schedule for the long- delayed general census and criticised the lack of clarity on how caste data will be collected.
The Polit Bureau strongly criticised the BJP for enacting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 and alleged that it has led to a spike in communal attacks, with properties of Muslims being specifically targeted. It accused the BJP of using the bill to polarise society and undermine the rights of minorities. Remarks by BJP leaders about expanding scrutiny to Church properties were cited as evidence of a broader plan to dispossess minority communities of their constitutionally protected assets. The CPI M also cautioned that extremist Muslim groups attempting to exploit the situation are ultimately reinforcing the communal agenda of Hindutva forces.
In response to the recent Supreme Court judgement limiting the discretionary powers of Governors, the CPI M said the ruling was a blow to the Centre’s attempts to obstruct opposition- ruled state governments. The party criticised the Modi government’s inclination to challenge the verdict and condemned statements by BJP leaders and the Vice President that questioned the judiciary's authority.
On Operation Kagar, the counter -Maoist campaign launched in Chhattisgarh, the Polit Bureau raised concerns about the impact on innocent tribal communities. The party called on the government to consider the Maoists’ offer for dialogue and insisted that armed conflict alone cannot resolve the issue.
The CPI M also criticised the Indian government’s passive response to recent US tariff hikes. It pointed out that unlike other countries that retaliated, India is trying to appease the US by voluntarily reducing tariffs. The party raised alarm over ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement, warning against US demands to open Indian markets to American agricultural goods and amend patent laws. It urged the government to protect the interests of Indian farmers and national sovereignty.
Condemning the ongoing war in Gaza, the Polit Bureau described Israel’s actions as genocidal and criticised the blockade on humanitarian aid. It urged the international community to pressure Israel to agree to a ceasefire and ensure the unhindered supply of essential goods to Gaza’s suffering population.
The CPI M announced it has begun preparations for the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for October 2025 and is currently in discussions with its Maha gat bandhan allies. The first meeting of the newly elected Central Committee will take place from June 3 to 5 in New Delhi.