By Manoj Giri
[The author, a teacher in Kurseong, is Vice President of Humanists’ Association]
The basic point about Gorkhaland is IDENTITY and NOT DEVELOPMENT.
You should be very clear at the outset, that bringing in the talk of DEVELOPMENT in the way of IDENTITY is to DEVIATE from the core issue and to OVERSIMPLIFY and GENERALIZE the issues that the Gorkhas are trying to place before the nation.
Mixing up development and Identity is a conspiracy of the Ruling class to fool the people, resulting in more intensification of existing crisis.We rationalists should not take the faulty logic of the ruling clique and get trapped in rigmaroles.
Nevertheless, development or the lack of it is one reason for people’s rebellion.And most people who do not support the cause of Gorkhaland are now talking about non development in
But I wonder what development has there been in Kolkata except for adding the lesser used Vidhyasagar Setu to the colonial legacy. What development has there been to other parts of
And that development is not the panacea for identity movements has been proved beyond doubt in
And the Indian Independence movement was, at least, not due to the lack of development.
Thus it is futile to prove that lack of development in the Gorkhaland area, is the cause of this movement. Proving it is the work of the conventional intellectuals and the cunning politicians.
Therefore, my request to you is that please do not bring in the issue of non development to the cause of identity and unknowingly confuse the whole movement for the emancipation of the Gorkhas.
Let me give you some core issues that the movement has put forward:
1) Around 1780, the Gorkhas invade
The ceded territory includes
Again,
2) Lepchas were nomadic tribes and were engaged in zoom (shifting ) cultivation. They used to hang around the hills from one region to another. Sometimes they were in
That the Lepchas are the original inhabitants (they of course are, along with other tribes of this region) of this place is based on the account of one Capt. Lloyd, who wrote in his account that there were some 100 Lepcha huts in
These 100 Lepcha huts have now become a buzz word of the CPIM intellectuals to prove that the Gorkhas are foreigners here. They do not want to discuss other historical and anthropological contentions, which go in favor of the Gorkhas.
3) When the British started tea cultivation in 1865 and the narrow gauge railway line in
a) these people did not have the modern concept of international borders,
b) they understood that the land was under the possession of their king and when they came to work under British enterprise as laborers ,they thought they were actually following the orders of the Gorkha King and,
c) they always understood that they were in their own land.
4) When these events were happening,
5) But after 1947,
This treaty ambiguates the citizenship of the Indian Gorkhas, and it led to the loss of their Indian Identity. It makes a Gorkha’s Indian citizenship a reciprocal one.
The present Gorkhaland movement is a search and a fight for this lost IDENTITY.
Only a separate STATE can give them this IDENTITY and nothing less.
(You can imagine what will happen to the citizenship of millions of Indian Bengalese if the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Bangladesh enters into such kind of a treaty with Art 7 intact). Rulers do not ask their subjects when they enter into treaties.
So now it must be very clear that The Gorkhaland Movement is neither a fight against
Therefore the Agenda of the Gorkhaland movement is only IDENTITY and not DEVELOPMENT.
In that sense this movement is different from other movements for separate states. Telengana, Vidharb, Bundelkhand etc are a case for DEVELOPMENT, but Gorkhaland is a case for IDENTITY.
# # #
However I give you some cases of non development:
# When the British left there were 180 tea estates in Darjeeling, now only 82 are left including some which are closed.
# In
# The wage of a labour in Darjeeling Dooars is the lowest in the country.
Tamilnadu Rs.101/-,
Kerala Rs. 92/-,
Karnataka Rs. 92.85/-
Darjeeling- Dooars Rs.68.70/-
(These are inclusive of fuel and rations of poorest standards).
It is below the minimum wage of Rs.100/- .
# The Government run Cinchona Plantations which employs thousands of people is on the verge of extinction, there is heavy corruption, and the authorities are conspiring to sell it to Hindustan Lever Group.
# During the British Rule five to six mail and passengers trains used to go up and down
# Almost all the ropeways constructed by the British, an easy way of transport and employment, which carried goods to far flung areas are now defunct.
# Malbazar- Mateley- Dooars was part of Darjeeling Parliamentary constituency, it was cut away and Islampur Chopra with no Gorkha population was attached to this constituency. This was done by B C Roy. His intention was criminal as the Gorkhas could not send an MP on their own, they had to depend on the Bengalese Ruling class’s whims and politics which always was detrimental to the interests of the Gorkhas.
# Drinking water problem is world famous.
# Although many departments were given to DGHC, it had no recruitment powers, which led to the unemployment of the educated individuals. These are now the die-hard participants of the movement. There was not even a single appointment in the hills in the last 20 years.
# Roads are always horrible.
These are some of the things which, I as a rationalist have been able to make some sensible people understand.
LET US NOT FORGET THAT DEMAND FOR A SEPARATE STATE WITHIN A COUNTRY IS MADE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES ON THE BASIS OF CULTURAL IDENTITY. WE HAVE SEEN IT IN JHARKHAND, IN CHHATTISGARH. WE HAVE SEEN THE MAKING OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND OF MAHARASHTRA LONG AGO. THE DEMAND IS AS PER THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRESENT MOVEMENT IN THE HILLS OF BENGAL IS DEMOCRATIC AND PEACEFUL.
THOUGH THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE HERE ARE GORKHAS,( ABOUT 70% ), PEOPLE OF ALL OTHER COMMUNITIES LIVE HERE IN PERFECT HARMONY AND TOURISTS ARE VERY MUCH WELCOME IN NORMAL TIMES.
TO GIVE THIS PERFECTLY DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT A COMMUNAL COLOUR AND TO INSTIGATE COMMON PEOPLE TO FIGHT AMONG THEMSELVES ( THROWING STONES AT PEACEFUL FASTING MEMBERS IN FRONT OF BDO OFFICE, MAKING YOUNG BOYS THROW STONES AT POOR NEPALI OR GORKHA HUTMENTS ETC.) IS BEING PURPOSEFULLY DONE BY ONE MINISTER OF THE LEFT FRONT GOVRNMENT.
WE HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS DONE TO CREATE CHAOS SO THAT RAF & MILITARY CAN BE CALLED FOR AND THE MOVEMENT OF THE JANA MUKTI MORCHA CAN BE UNDERMINED.
THE GOVT LED BY A CERTAIN MINISTER IS COMMITTING A SERIOUS CRIME BY ATTACKING THE PEACEFUL MOVEMENT. TO INSTIL COMMUNAL FEELINGS AMONG INDIAN CITIZENS IS DEFINITELY ANTI-NATIONAL. FOR THIS WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE PUNISHMENT FOR THE WRONG-DOER.
WE EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT SUPPORT FOR THE GORKHA JANA-MUKTI MORHA AND CONGRATULATE ALL ITS MEMBERS FOR THEIR COURAGE, PATIENCE & COMMITMENT TOWARDS A UNPRECEDENTED PEACEFUL AND UNITED MOVEMENT.
WE ARE WITH YOU...
PRABIR GHOSH
General Secretary,
BHARATIYA BIGYAN O JUKTIBADI SAMITY [SCIENCE & RATIONALISTS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA]
SUMITRA PADMANABHAN General Secretary, [HUMANISTS' ASSOCIATION]
Rationalist movement is a struggle to create rational, scientific minded people so that they can understand that the cause of their exploitation lies within the society, because of corruption existing in the system and not because of God’s wish , their ill-fate or sin of past life.
Science and Rationalists’ Association of India & Humanists’ Association published number of bulletins, magazines, books, e-books from different branches on the eve of Calcutta book fair to propagate the idea of rationalism.
North 24 Pargana Yuktibadi
Published by SRAI and HA North 24 Pargana branch.
The main attraction of this bulletin is an article on ‘Neo-Rationalism’ by Prabir Ghosh.
It also has an article on Union in government organization by Ashok Sorcar.
Reports on rationalist movement and current incident in north 24 parganas is also worth mentioning.
Murshidabad Yuktibadi
Published by SRAI and HA Murshidabad branch.
The main attraction of this bulletin is suggestion for girls between age of 15 to 18 years by Sumitra Padmanavan. Rahul Karmakar also writes with noticeable dexterity.
It also has a collection of leters from the readers and reports on rationalist movement and current incident in Murshidabad.
Medinipur Yuktibadi
Published by SRAI and HA Midnapur District Committee.
This bulletin has number of articles written by Sumitra Padmanavan, Suvendu Roy, Prabir Ghosh , Anindyasundar, Ajay and Sekhar Dey.
It has a collection of poems by eminent poet Joy Goswami, Soma Sengupta, Priyota Mukhopadhyay and Ashutosh Rana.
Tarkwadi
A Hindi bulletin published by SRAI and HA.
The main attraction of this bulletin is an article on Baba Ramdev and a report on the rumors of Ghost spread in a hospital.
Bankura Yuktibadi
Published by SRAI and HA Bankura branch.
The main attraction of this bulletin ‘Witch, Astrology and Ghost’, an article by Vishwanath Sahu. An article on jaundice by Dr. S. K. Bandapadhyay and an article on ‘Incarnation and Evolution’ by Tarun Rakshit.
Dishari
Published by SRAI and HA Kajora branch.
This is more a magazine than a bulletin.
It has number of articles written by Prabir Ghosh (on martyr Bhagat Singh), on recent scientific discoveries by Sandip Chakraborty, on health, illness and superstition by Prakash Ghatak, on Nastradamus by Abhi Brahmachari and on animal sacrifice by Sukhmoy Garai.
It also has a collection of four wonderful poems.
Why I do not believe in god
Why should someone be an atheist?
Why should one question something believed in by a large percentage of people in society?
Is there any reasonable basis for atheism and such skepticism - and, if so, what is it?
The e-book “Why I do not believe in god?” another masterpiece of Prabir Ghosh, answers each and every question on the subject, in a great style and dismantles every possible definition of the “almighty” with clinical precision. Published by www.uniqueebook.com.
Amra Yuktibadi
"Amra Yuktibadi" Special issue published for BOOK-FAIR. 80 pages quarterly magazine with organisation news, current topics & subjects dealing with RATIONALISM. This issue contains 14 poems by eminent contemporary poets and detailed news of programs held by the Samity during 2007. Among other topics are--COMMUNALISM & DEVELOPMENT, NUCLEAR POWER, RICHARD DAWKINS, GLOBALISATION, FREEDOM & DECENCY IN ART & "HINDRANCES IN THE PATH TO REVOLUTION" by Prabir Ghosh.
PRASANGA : PRABIR GHOSH
A collection of 16 essays, a poem and a memoir by various writers on Prabir Ghosh as a person and the writers' personal realisations about Prabir, his work & is personality. Among the writers are Prabir's childhood school teacher Subhendu roy, his septuagenarian ex-colleague Arun Mukherjee, well-known poet Brata Chakravarty, Gen.Secretary of HUMANISTS' ASSN Sumitra Padmanabhan & many rational thinkers and members of the association.The book is as interesting as Prabir's colourful personality. It also throws light into the conspiracy that haunted Prabir & his association during 1996. A highly readable book already SELLING LIKE HOT CAKE.
The book is published by DEY'S PUBLISHING; its introduction is by Dr. Pabitra Sarker.
MEMORYMAN THEKE MOBILEBABA
MEMORYMAN THEKE MOBILEBABA by Prabir Ghosh is a collection of real-life adventures, true stories of challenge & confrontation with people like MEMORY MAN, Biswarup Chakraborty, who claims to have learnt the Dictionary by heart, bur fails at an open challenge by Prabir, the dangerous mafia don at the coal belt in Burdwan known as MOBILE BABA, who cheats people in the name of 'Tantra'. Among the others are Swami Satyananda, the bleeding statue of Jesus, the truth about Satya Sai Baba, Dr. Warsi, the quack doctor and a case of mysterious fire at an astrologer's residence that was busted by Prabir.
It is a breathtaking 150 pages of sheer thrill published by DEY'S PUBLISHING.
Working President of Humanists’ Association Gopal Chhetri fasting in protest of proposed 6th schedule. Hospitalised, in critical condition. To support please SMS to 9933032179.
Dear friends,
While we appreciate that all rationalists across the world; like you; are working from their own locations to propagate the ideas of rationalism; it is also important that we meet…that we come together.
1 March 2008, International Rationalists' Day is one such occasion when we must meet with each other.
As such, Science and Rationalists' Association of India has arranged an event at Habra (50 kms from Kolkata, India), on International Rationalists' Day. The enriching seminar on rationalism will be followed by a cultural program. The legendary Rationalist Award 2007 (in 3 categories) will be handed over to the 'Leader of the Year', 'Writer of the Year' and 'Media of the Year'.
On this day, several organizations, including numerous trade unions of the Communist Party, have arranged for a special show to eradicate superstition among the workers.
If you have an enthusiast friend who does not know about this, please do not forget to inform her/him about this event (on 1 March 200
.
This invitation shall be published in all our websites, journals and other media.
Regards,
General Secretary,
Science and Rationalists' Association of India &
General Secretary,
Humanists’ Association
Prabir Ghosh
Sumitra Padmanabhan
The Controller of the modern Islamic terrorism is Al Quaida. Yes; and by knowing the history behind the birth of Al Quaida, we can come to know why and how the Government of USA is responsible for its creation.
From the seventies in the last century the Government of America had left no stones unturned to uproot the Russian rule in Afghatistan. The ‘democratic government’ of Afghanistan was totally dependent on the Russian army. And the strongly fundamentalist Muslim clan there was the ‘Taliban’. The two neighboring countries of Afghanistan were Russia on one hand and Pakistan, a friend nation of America on the other. So the location of Afghanistan was strategically important to America. Hence the need for political transition in Afghanistan was important for faraway USA.
The Government of America started helping the Taliban group in various ways. – In 1985 a regular office was opened in Rawalpindi of Pakistan with specialists from the CIA and Pentagon. The rugged Taliban fundamentalists were trained in sophisticated modern warfare. Only to reduce their dependence on America the Taliban activists started earning money through production and smuggling of drugs. Soon Afghanistan became notorious as one of the largest producers of opium-based drugs.
Civil engineer and Civil Construction tycoon Osama Bin Laden came into the picture with his expertise as the warfare reached its climax with the need to build roads, tunnels and trenches. Osama struck a quick friendship with the Pakistani President Musharraf. Osama was not only a great organizer and a technological wizard, he was also an expert in arms and explosives. But in mind he was a medieval male chauvinist and a Muslim above all. He became the hero of the backward Talibans – training, advising and guiding them in guerilla warfare.
‘Al Quaida’ was founded in 1988. Laden knew that a leader may be destroyed, but the ideology remains. So he trained the desperate and headstrong Al Quaida warriors in Islamic fundamental ideologies and brought them up to be so staunch in their religious convictions that they were ever ready to sacrifice their lives for their faith.
At present ‘Al Quaida’ is spread over 34 countries. It is more a religious organization than a politically motivated activist group. Those who are not militant but would like to see Islamic faith rule the world, also support the Al Quaida. They collect funds, make CDs and spread Islamic fanaticism. Side by side, they spread hatred for the western world. For them to lay down their lives to somehow harm the Western World is a sure gateway to heaven. Whether right or wrong, for them this Islamic ideology is the driving force.
The Laden, who was created by the Government of America and was a friend of America, is now its premier enemy. Saddam might have been a dictator, but he hardly had any ideology to follow, nor any follower to spread his message throughout the world. His militant activists were mercenaries – or paid soldiers. This is the big difference. Osama bin Laden’s ‘Al Quaida’ is a staunch and determined militant community bent on establishing Islamic ideals. These ‘ideals’ in many cases are totally contrary to the concept of basic human rights. Wherever men were in charge, there have been many restrictive measures, ‘fatwas’ or sanctions for women. For example – women’s bodies should be covered in such a way that not even the wrists show. If the wrists were visible, that part of their hands should be cut off. Women were not allowed to go out into the streets alone. They were denied the right to education and to medical care. They would rather starve or beg in the streets, than work to earn money.
It is undeniable that Osama bin Laden tried to bring back medieval Muslim rule and take the people backward by hundreds of years. This was his ‘ideal’, which many ‘highly educated’ Muslims also accepted. And they are the ones who taught how to utilize advanced technologies – communication system, use of arms, making of explosives for destruction of the human civilization.
The ‘terrorism’ created by Government of America by using Laden has now boomeranged. And it has enlarged out of proportions by the addition of Islamic fundamentalism to its core. Now their main target is America. That is how they brought down the twin towers of the World Trade Center– the epitome of American supremacy, literally bringing the superpower down on its knees.
USA is a ‘civilized’ country, a ‘great’ country like India. But the main difference between India and America is that the Government of America does not terrorize its own citizens; it maintains perfect democracy within its territory. But the Government of India on the other hand continues reign of terror in the border states, in Jammu & Kashmir and goes on acquiring regions to add to its number of states (for example Sikkim). America aroused the hatred of the oil-rich Arab Countries by trying to have its ultimate control over these rich but otherwise backward nations. The smaller and weaker nations accepted this highhanded attitude of the bullying big brother. Others wanted to retaliate. But how? At the moment, direct warfare with America is not a feasible idea. The only way is to carry out sporadic guerrilla war and occasional terrorist attacks by killing thousands of innocent people. After the destruction of the twin towers in 2001, America started its all out crusade to uproot the Taliban government and Al Quaida. In an ultimatum to the Taliban government, the American President demanded the following:-
(1) All the leaders of Al Quaida including Bin Laden should be handed over to America, (2) All terrorist Camps should be closed down (3) All imprisoned Western Nationals should be released (4) US should be allowed to carry out combing operations in Afghanistan.
America announced that further discussions on the matter were futile and this war was against all terrorists of the world – not only Al Quaida. China and Russia did not like this stand – as the definition ‘terrorist’ was given by none other than America. They felt that at a later date, it might take an arbitrary look. On September 23, 2002 the Taliban government refused America’s 4-point proposal. But by this time America had got all countries under ‘NATO’ agreement by its side. With them were added the European Union. Then came – Pakistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and India. Iran and Sweden were impartial. Egypt and China protested.
Now, if we accept the definition of UN, we will have to agree that USA itself is a substantially large ‘terrorist’ in its own way. Anything against the interests of America is always interfered with. To keep its own people safe and secure, the US does not hesitate to create terrorism in other countries.
The difference in culture and values among nations also create alienation and hatred. The values of America and the medieval values existing in some of the Islamic Countries are incompatible. This enhances the mutual hatred. Some Islamic nations – like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan of course, tactically support the US government . But a majority of the poor people of these same countries nevertheless cherish a hatred for anything American or ‘Western’. Such is the influence of ‘religion’.
This is a selected part of the e-book “TERRORISM: A RATIONALIST’S POINT OF VIEW”, written by Prabir Ghosh and Sumitra Padmanabhan, published on INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY .To buy or download the FREE version visit www.uniqueebook.com .
Tathagata Bhattacharya
The Haldi river bordering Nandigram is quiet and in mourning. On November 5, six battalions of armed CPI (M) cadres surrounded Nandigram in East Midnapore. Their mission: to ‘recapture’ villages from the Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) – a Trinamool Congress-led front against land acquisition for the proposed special economic zone (SEZ).
The cadres were armed with AK series rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, .303 guns and bombs. Three of the battalions were sourced from West Midnapore’s Garbeta block, three to four hours from Nandigram, and were led by its local committee secretary Sukur Ali. The other three battalions were from the West Midnapore’s Chandrakona region, three hours from Nandigram, and were led by its district committee member Tapan Ghosh. Both Sukur and Tapan are wanted by the CBI in a case relating to the burning alive of seven anti CPI(M) activists in Chota Angaria.
Each battalion had around 100 men, including dacoits and criminals from Bankura and South 24 Parganas. They were paid in advance for ‘Operation Nandigram’, and given a free hand to loot the villages, CPI(M) sources said. The ‘operation’ was reportedly finalized at a meeting between a member of Parliament, a state cabinet minister and zonal and local leaders in Khejuri, a CPI(M) stronghold, at the guest house of the Kolaghat thermal power plant.
…
Opposition leader and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee alleged that the cadres used the official launch of the district magistrate of South 24 Parganas to ferry arms and ammunition to their stronghold in Khejuri. Earlier, West Bengal home secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy had commented, “Nandigram is a war zone and the attacks are happening from Khejuri.” West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi dubbed the ‘capture’ of villages “unlawful and undemocratic”.
…
On November 10, around 30,000 unarmed BUPC activists took out two processions to regain control of their land and homes; while one procession, of people who had taken shelter in camps in the block headquarters, marched from Nandigram to Maheshpur, another moved from the Sonachura village bordering Khejuri in the same direction. The two groups were to meet at a point and move to Tekhali bridge. On the way, cadres surrounded them and sprayed them with bullets. The official death toll was put at three, with 20 injured; but witnesses said the toll was higher.
“The CPI(M) men carried away the bodies on vans towards Khejuri. Even the injured were not spared. Over 500 people were marched off to Khejuri,” said a processionist. The Khejuri police rescued about 350 men – some of them were by then badly beaten up – from various schools in Khejuri. Many others, including some young women, were missing. In Satengabari village, a 40-year-old woman and her two daughters, aged 14 and 17, were raped. The woman was admitted to Tamluk hospital.
In Egra, which is around an hour’s drive from Nandigram, a crowd intercepted two vehicles carrying injured people from Nandigram in the evening. The Egra police arrested at least eight CPI (M) cadres. While Sukur and Tapan were among those held, the police changed their names. However, when they were produced in court, they gave their real names when photographs were produced.
The rampaging cadres took Sonachura, Garchakraberia and Osman Chak, Kendemari and Hosenpur – the centers of BUPC’s resistance in Nandigram Block I. Thousands of villagers fled to the camps in the block headquarters. By evening of November 11, the ‘occupation’ was complete.
Further, armed CPI (M) mobs stopped Mamata Banerjee from reaching Nandigram. The village was ‘out of bounds’ for the media, as all entry points – through river and land – were blocked. Even the CRPF men were turned back on the night of November 12.
Reports came in from Nandigram that after Sukur and Tapan were captured while trying to ferry the injured, CPI(M) cadres had changed tactics – many of the dead and the half-dead were being burnt in the brick kilns of Khejuri. Reports of gangrapes, too, have been coming in.
Sparks, claims and dissenting voices marked the aftermath. CPI (M) state secretary Biman Bose called the Governor’s remarks unconstitutional and questioned his intellectual credentials. “Peace has been restored” in Nandigram, he said, adding that it was a “new sunrise”. Prominent CPI (M) and CITU leader Shyamal Chakraborty said, “Nandigram is now a liberated zone, free of terror. What is needed now is development.
RSP minister Kshiti Goswami was ashamed. He told THE WEEK: “only the communists are capable of something like this, especially those dictated by Stalinist ideology. I have sent a letter to the RSP secretary, asking the party to let me resign. I don’t feel like being a member of this government.”
The violence drew flak from civil society. On November 12, a spontaneous bandh paralysed normal life in the state. Nothing moved. Even software engineers were not complaining. Many boycotted the Kolkata International Film Festival – which, interestingly, featured quite a few films on state repression.
Courtesy: THE WEEK, November 25, 2007
Picture Courtesy: Anandabazar Patrika, Bartaman, Sagar Das (Neel)
Dear Sir,
At present it is 'Rule of Party' prevailing in West Bengal. There is no Law & Order putting even Gujrat to shame. We request you to order for President's Rule by ordinance in WB immediately. You would get unanimous support from all other parties including TMC, BJP and CPIML (liberation). We also assure you of the sincere support of HUMANISTS' ASSOCIATION, RATIONALISTS' ASSOCIATION & people of WB who will be with you in all your future steps towards progress like the nuclear deal etc.
Prabir Ghosh
72/8, Debinibas Road, Kolkata 700074
prabir_rationalist@hotmail.com
13 November, 2007
WHERE PARTY RULES
State terror at Nandigram!
It is mourning time now. Please wear black badge for the next 1 week, and hand out same to others.
Join rally on 14 November, 2007 from College Square, Kolkata at 1 PM. Please protest.
Do not fear to openly criticize the inhuman atocities being meted out in Nandigram for the last 10 months. Condemn the role of the state in allowing the mass killing & rape of unarmed villagers in Nandigram.
Condemn the role of the State in brutally beating up & arresting Poets, Singers, Actors and Artists who were unarmed & voicing their protest through songs in Kolkata on 11 November, 2007.
It is remarkable that there was NO ADMINISTRATION & THE POLICE WERE ABSENT OR MUTE SPECTATORS on 9 & 10 November when the CPI(M) cadres carried out mass killing in a preplanned, calculated move to take ‘occupation’ of Nandigram.
It is remarkable that on 11 November in Kolkata, POLICE & ADMINISTRATION WERE OVERACTIVE IN BEATING AND ARRESTING UNARMED PROTESTORS- 100 of them who did not even step inside ‘NANDAN’, and were singing to voice their disgust. THEY WERE EMINENT CREATIVE PERSONALITIES- like Aparna Sen, Gautam Ghosh, Shankha Ghosh, Shaoli Mitra, Rituparno Ghosh, Subhaprasanna, Joy Goswami, Anjan Dutta, Parambrata, Suman Mukhopadhyay, Pallab Kirtaniya and many others. Many of the stalwarts were manhandled by police. IF THIS IS THE SITUATION IN KOLKATA, ONE CAN UNDERSTAND THE LEVEL OF CRUELTY GOING ON IN NANDIGRAM.
In the recent past, Government of West Bengal has proved to be more prone to fascism putting even Gujrat to shame. EVEN REPORTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER NANDIGRAM. This kind of arbitrary misrule is unheard of anywhere else in India.
Friends, this is a time to protest unitedly. Show your sympathy towards the hapless fellow human beings in Nandigram. SACRIFICE SOME TIME-- TAKE SOME PAIN NOW FOR A BETTER TOMORROW-- MAKE THE STRIKE A SUCCESS.
Be at College Square, Kolkata at 1 PM… on 14 November, 2007.
Do not fear or hesitate to fight for human dignity.
Police beating up eminent creative personalities at Kolkata
Picture Courtesy: Anandabazar Patrika, Bartaman, Sangbad Pratidin, The Telegraph, The Times of India
For more news on Nandigram, March 2007, please scrawl down this page.
News Flash:
The hooded hunters: Red army roars into Nandigram
The hub falls- Human shields, CRPF brake in final assault by cadres
CRPF turned back from Nandigram by CPM supporters
Police take on intellectuals & Cong workers
Moushumi refuses award
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