Who is Ajay TG? Political arrests and the tightening noose
The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) strongly condemns the arrest of Ajay TG, widely recognized film maker, journalist and human rights activist by the Chhattisgarh police in Raipur on 4 May 2008 and calls for his immediate release.
No choice for forgotten Santhals in Bengal
By Shyam Sundar Roy
About 500 voters, belonging to over 160 Santhal families living under Shiromoni gram panchayat in Midnapore Sadar block, do not know which party to vote for in the ensuing panchayat elections, as they say none of them are ready to help them.
My Name is Radharani Ari and This is How My Consciousness Was Raised.
Honourable Chief Minister, I am the same Radharani Ari of Nandigram. How many more times will your cadres rape me?
Yes, I am the same person. The same Radharani Ari, resident of Nandigram Block, village – Gokulpur. Whether or not you remember me, I am not too sure, although by now the entire state of West Bengal has heard about me. I did not catch the limelight due to some creditable act of mine but on account of my misfortunes. I am a housewife of, by now infamous, Nandigram.
Sibpur BESU - Coercion to join the SFI - Terror and the administration-police-criminal nexus
The political landscape in colleges across West Bengal is barren - the SFI wins mainly uncontested almost everywhere, through an intricate mechanism of nepotism, selection and campus terror.
The students of Sibpur BESU are facing an assault of the college administration- local goons-police. The Vice-chancellor Nikhil Ranjan Banerjea is orchestrating the assault, the aim of which is to terrorize students into joining or supporting the students’ wing of the major ruling party. It is not an accident that all those who are being arrested by the police are distinguished by their non-allegiance to this students’ organisation.
Implementation of Forest Rights Act in Bengal - Questions on the process
The Government of West Bengal has begun the implementation of the Forest Rights Act with great delay and reluctance. It is clear that a process of sabotage is going on in the implementation, and this requires constant vigilance and protest. Following are two documents - (1) a press release from the North Bengal Regional Committee of the National Forum of Forest People and Forest Workers (NFFPFW), raising questions of legality of a recently issued order (number 1220/PN/O/I/1A-2/07, dated March 17, 2008) and (2) Letter to the chief secretary to the Government of West Bengal from Nagarik Mancha on the issue, March 27, 2008.
Citizens’ Report on Nandigram with specific stress on gender violence
As a result of an initiative by women’s groups, organizations and individuals, an 11-member team of citizens from Kolkata comprising teachers, social activists, researchers and students visited Nandigram on November 24, 2007. Concerned about the repeated disruption of peace in the region, the team decided to go to the affected areas and talk to the local people with the objectives of expressing solidarity with the survivors of violence, documenting people’s needs in the current circumstances, and drawing up recommendations. One of the chief aims was also to investigate the nature and range of sexual violence and its use as a political weapon, towards pre-empting further such occurrences of violence against women.
Click here to read Independent Citizens’ Report on Nandigram [.doc, English 330KB] »
Nude mentally challenged patients - Bengal’s public healthcare at a time of private bonanza
It has been argued that big capital investment in West Bengal “creates a wonderful opportunity to make much larger investments in public education, healthcare, public transport, environmental protection, and other public goods.” (Amartya Sen). On the other hand, the argument has been made that a government with a neo-liberal mindset does not care about people who, because of their purchasing power, are outside the market. If the government has money, it will make malls and flyovers, at the cost of public health. The problem is not one of intention but definition.
The situation in a state mental hospital, a mere 6 km from the seat of government at Writers Building in Kolkata, displays the typically dysfunctional nature of public healthcare, amidst all the rhetoric of development.
Dankuni - Resistance to Massive Land Acquisition for Real Estate
The “development” process in West Bengal is taking place in a two stage mechanism - conversion of agricultural land into industrial land, and conversion of industrial land into real estate. Land acquisition in Dankuni clearly demonstrates how the aim of the “development” process is really the extraction of maximum profits by private enities from resources, in this case, land. Real estate provides the maximum profit, therefore functioning factories in Dankuni are being shut down to acquire land for a housing project by the powerful DLF group.
Agro-Science Fair in Bolagarh, West Bengal
The ‘Agricultural Science Fair 2008’ was organized by Bolagarh Gana-Bijnan Samiti on 25-26 January, 2008 at the Jeerat Colony High School in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, India. Extensive discussions and programs were carried out on the role of multinationals like Monsanto in promoting genetically modified seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. Alternative bio-friendly methods of agriculture were discussed.
Anti-POSCO rally and program in Kolkata
February 13, 2008. Kolkata: A rally from College Square to Utkal Bhavan (an office of the Orissa govornment) took place and was followed by a mass-deputation in Utkal Bhavan against the proposed POSCO project in Jagatsingpur district, Orissa. The program was organised by 18 organizations. After a demonstration in front of Utkal Bhavan the protesters conveyed their solidarity to the POSCO movement in the form of a memorandum to the government of Orissa. The authorities at Utkal Bhavan received the memorandum on behalf of the government of Orissa. Afterwards, anti-POSCO activists including Biswajit Roy shared their experiences with political organisations and human rights activists at the Indian Radical Humanist Associations Hall in a discussion called Posco Ebong Tar Protirodh. Activists involved in the protest movement against illegal and extensive stone quarrying in Asansol and Birbhum were also present to express their solidarity to the people of Orissa and speak about the conditions in the regions where they work.
The 18 organisations which organised the program were: APDR, Chhatra-Chhatri Sanhati Mancha, Little Magazine Samannay Mancha, Lok Seba Sangh, Nandigram Ganahatya Birodhi Prochar Udyog, Sahanagarikder Jukta Mancha, Hawker Sangram Committee, TASAM, USDF, NAPM, Sanhati Udyog, PaschimBanga Khetmazoor Samiti, Ganamukti Parishad, Janasangharsha Samiti, West Bengal Gandhi Peace Foundation, Bondi Mukti Committee, West Bengal Government Employees Union, and National Fishworkers Federation.
Malnutrition death in Singur and the Nano-flyover syndrome
1. February 10, 2008 : Kalipada Majhi, a sharecropper rendered jobless in Singur after land acquisition, died from malnutrition.
2. In an article called The Nano-flyover Syndrome, Sunita Narain examines what subsidises the cheap Nano, and who actually pays.
Burma’s Freedom Fighters: From Port Blair to a Kolkata Jail
February 4th, 2008, marks the tenth anniversary of the illegal detention of 34 Burmese freedom fighters in Bengal. The Solidarity Committee for Burma’s Freedom Fighters, whose members include Ashok Mitra, Lakshmi Sehgal, and others, carried out a Dharna in protest.
Personal accounts of prisoners and press release of the protest are included.
Protest Rally In Singur Against High Court Verdict
January 22, 2008. A report by Anuradha Talwar, Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity
Picture of rally (1) »
Picture of rally (2) »
The High Court dismissed all the petitions against the land acquisition in Singur on 18th January 2008. After waiting for over almost six months to give its verdict (the last date of hearing was 31st July 2008) the High Court dismissed all the 11 public interest cases against forcible land acquisition by the State Government for Tata Motors Company. The Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising the Chief Justice, Mr. S.S. Nijjar, and Mr. Justice P.C. Ghose, by a common order, on 18th January, Friday held that the land acquisition by the State Government at Singur for construction of a small car manufacturing unit by Tata Motors is valid. While dismissing all the public interest litigations challenging land acquisition at Singur, the court held that those petitions are not maintainable.
Updates on Singur: AIFB wants Tatas to move; Tata’s car an “environmental nightmare”
January 6, 2008: The Forward Bloc demanded that Tata Motors be asked to shift its Singur plant to West Midnapore on a day the CPM patted itself for changing with the times. “The factory can’t be built here, on this fertile land. The government must accept this verdict of the local people, admit its folly and ask the Tatas to shift it to Kalaikunda,’’ Bloc state secretary Ashok Ghosh told a rally near the boundary wall of the car plant site.
January 10, 2008: Chief U.N. climate scientist Rajendra Pachauri, who shared last year’s Nobel Peace Prize, said last month that “I am having nightmares” about the prospect of the low-cost car.
Forest Rights Act implementation in Bengal - Front allies join protests
A The Telegraph report, January 9, 2008
The RSP and the Forward Bloc have joined NGOs in alleging violation of forest villagers’ rights following a government notification declaring vast swathes of the Sunderbans and the Buxa Tiger Reserve “critical wildlife habitats”. It has, they said, made hundreds of forest villagers vulnerable to the threat of eviction, though the CPM had been championing their cause at the Centre.
Goa scraps all SEZs, Center says not so fast!
PANAJI: The Goa government on (1/1/2008) decided to scrap all Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects in its bid to end the long-drawn public agitation which at one stage threatened to jeopardise New Year celebrations.
The Centre on Wednesday questioned the authority of the Goa government to recommend scrapping of notified special economic zones (SEZs). After a meeting of the board of approval (BoA) commerce secretary G.K.Pillai said: “There is no provision under law (for states) to recommend de-notification. They have no locus standi to withdraw the notifications to the SEZs.”
Press Conference: Recognition of Forest Rights Act and its sabotage - rallies in North Bengal
Nagarik Mancha and NFPFW invite you to a meeting at the Calcutta Press Club on Wednesday 9 January 2008 between 3pm and 5pm to discuss and to develop a strategy for a broader campaign for forest people’s rights.
How long will a Government that talks about people’s rights keep on betraying the interests of more than a crore of forest-dwellers? How long tribals and other forest dwellers will be treated as intruders, thieves and destroyer of national property in their own forests? We solicit your support in this Campaign which seeks to find an answer to these and many other questions.
Binayak Sen - A mother’s appeal
By Anasuya Sen
I am a woman in my eighties. When we were young, people were inspired by the examples of karmayogis who were patriotic, motivated by ideals of service, wise and virtuous. We considered ourselves blessed if we could follow in their footsteps. I had so far been a silent spectator to the injustice and violence that pervades our free democracy today, but only because I was personally untouched by it. But now, as an aged mother, and outraged by the blows of injustice, I wish to break my silence. Inconsolable in my pain at the age of eighty-one years, I now wish to make a humble appeal to the people of free, democratic India.
Democracy at Gunpoint - A Report on the Repression of Anti-Posco Movement as of 5th December 2007
This report, and many other resources on Posco, are available from the Environmental Protection Group, Orissa
Contents: (1) Message from Rajendra Sadangi, Convenor, Loka Pakhya (2) Summary of situation (3) Detailed Report: (a) Government of Orissa’s moves (b) Local Administration’s moves (c) Police moves (d) Posco’s moves (e) Situation in Dhinkia (f) Situation in Nuagaon (g) Situation in Gadakujanga (h) Political Responses Against The Govt’s Moves (i) Status of the Movement (j) Overall Situation (k) Demands
An open letter to The Hindu on its Nandigram coverage
By academics from Harish-Chandra Research Institute Allahabad, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay/Kanpur/Madras, Institute of Mathematical Sciences Chennai, Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Mumbai. (A complete list of signatories is given.)
Nandigram: Our men or their men - nowhere men
An eyewitness report by Sahana Roy, Department of Applied Psychology, University of Calcutta
This eye-witness report is from a team of psychologists who visited Khejuri and Tekhali, where thousands of the CPI(M)’s dispossessed members have supposedly been living for months, hounded and in the direst emergency. It makes the observations that: (1) the team did not see more than around 150 people at any time (2) people complained of poor living conditions (3) children when asked their name replied “Without industry there can be no development” (4) children have been in contact over telephone with their friends on the other side, who “want them to come back” since school is starting (5) according to at least one member of the camp, there is considerable coercion to join anti-BUPC rallies everyday.
Click here to read the report [PDF, Bengali, 47 KB] »
Interim report by womens’ team on Nandigram November violence
30 November 2007
As a result of an initiative instituted by women’s groups, women’s organizations and individuals, an eleven member women’s team of concerned citizens from Kolkata comprising teachers, social activists, researchers and students visited Nandigram, on November 24, 2007. Concerned about the repeated disruption of peace in the region, the members decided to visit the affected areas and talk to the local people, with the objectives of showing solidarity with the survivors of violence, documenting people’s needs in the current circumstances, and drawing up recommendations based on our understanding of the situation.
Response to Chomsky et al. from Arundhati Roy, Sumit Sarkar, Saroj Giri and others
This report has been published at Kafila
We read with growing dismay the statement signed by Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn and others advising those opposing the CPI(M)’s pro-capitalist policies in West Bengal not to “split the Left” in the face of American imperialism. We believe that for some of the signatories, their distance from events in India has resulted in their falling prey to a CPI(M) public relations coup and that they may have signed the statement without fully realising the import of it and what it means here in India, not just in Bengal.
We cannot believe that many of the signatories whom we know personally, and whose work we respect, share the values of the CPI(M) - to “share similar values” with the party today is to stand for unbridled capitalist development, nuclear energy at the cost of both ecological concerns and mass displacement of people (the planned nuclear plant at Haripur, West Bengal), and the Stalinist arrogance that the party knows what “the people” need better than the people themselves. Moreover, the violence that has been perpetrated by CPI(M) cadres to browbeat the peasants into submission, including time-tested weapons like rape, demonstrate that this “Left” shares little with the Left ideals that we cherish.
Susan George withdraws her signature from statement - Nov. 24, 2007
A communication was sent from Sanhati to Susan George, asking her to check our website (www.sanhati.com) and come to independent conclusions regarding the happenings in Nandigram. She has withdrawn her signature from the statement issued by Noam Chomsky and others. Her response is given below.
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Dear Friends, thank you for getting in touch. Please see my […]
Nandigram: The Beating of Medha Patkar
By Satya Sagar, Znet
On 8 November when a mob of Communist Party of India (Marxist) supporters in West Bengal beat Medha Patkar, after dragging her out from a convoy headed to the troubled area of Nandigram, they bestowed a rare honour upon this brave woman.[i]
In that instant, she achieved the distinction of becoming India’s only well known social activist to be physically assaulted by thugs from both the right and left wing of the mainstream Indian political spectrum.
A pointwise rebuttal of Chomsky etc.’s statement on Nandigram
By Rajesh Ramakrishnan
Two points are very striking about this statement. One, for people who are distant from the scene and still trying to make sense of events, they have some pretty definitive conclusions. One of the conclusions is that Nandigram is somehow dividing the Left in the midst of a larger battle against US imperialism. This is nothing but spin, as can be seen from my comments below. The second striking point is that the lone Indian signatory to this statement is anything but distant from the scene. His links to the CPI(M) are well-known, and there is no way he can be equated with the other signatories so far as objectivity and open-mindedness are concerned.
An Open Letter to Tariq Ali - Nov. 21, 2007
By Kunal Chattopadhyay, Radicalblogger
Dear Tariq,
When I was a very young radical, still a Maoist rather than a Trotskyist, it was your name, rather than that of Ernest Mandel, or of anyone else, that we came across, here in our part of India. There are still older comrades in West Bengal, who talk about a certain period of Fourth International history, in terms of “in those days of Tariq Ali”. This is why, a statement, even though signed by Chomsky, Zinn and others, along with the man who seems to have carried out the coup, a gentleman named Vijay Prashad, becomes most painful because you are among the signatories. As you once wrote in one of your wonderful books, about another comrade of yours, ‘there was fire in his belly in those days’. Perhaps we have all grown older, but some of us have refused to grow “wiser”.
Relief Appeals: Details
Recently few activists from a student organization PDSF, went to Nandigram for relief work. They prepared a docu based on the conversation with the people at relief camp.
Here is the link….
http://video. google.com/ videoplay? docid= -71229283029598450
They are collecting text books for the Madhyamik and Uchchamadhyamik candidates (and also for other students) of Nandigram, since the […]
November in Nandigram: A Citizens’ Report
This report comes from one of the first teams of civil society organizations to visit Nandigram after the events of early November, 2007. The team of activists comprised, among others, Medha Patkar, Anuradha Talwar, Debjit Dutt, Swapna Tripathi, Bijoya Chanda, Atmaram Saraogi, Chhabi Roy, Chandan Pal, Amita Bag, Gautam Bandyopadhyay, Pusparaj, Biswajit, Swapna, and Kalyan Sengupta.
Contents: (1) Visiting the relief camp and villages under attack - Kamalpur, Takapura and Satengabari (2) Operation Nandigram, as per investigation reports (3) Women and children (4) The Procession and its aftermath (5) Subduing the population (6) The Divide in the Villages (7) Gokulnagar Adhikaripara - before and after (8) The role of the administration: Relief and Security, (9) Conclusions
Annexure 1: A detailed timeline for Nandigram: 31st July, 2006 to November 13, 2007.
Annexure 2: Document of injured persons attending Nandigrm B.M.Pal, B.P.H.C. on 10th November, 2007.
Click here to read Nandigram report, November 12-18, 2007 [English, PDF, 584KB] »
Terror in a microcosm - Taipara, Burdwan - the Party GRIP.
The following is an appeal sent by Suparna Goswami. It tells the story of her uncle Balaram Goswami, who has been fighting the corrupt Party machinery through civil and judiciary channels for years, and what that struggle entails. The appeal has been put forward unedited. Her phone number has been removed.
Bangalore Protests over Nandigram violence
Nov.19, 2007, Bangalore: Protest staged against Nandigram atrocities
Protests in Bangalore, November 14, 2007
Protest Nandigram through arts - Bangalore, 18 Nov. Join Now.
Join the protest-through-arts against the massacre at Nandigram
On: Sunday, 18/11/’07, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
At: (Gandhi statue, MG Road, and pavement in front of Cauvery Emporium, MG-Brigade crossing)
Contact: Mail: nandigrambangalore@gmail.com Or call: 9845820971 (Arundhati), 9902989764 (Kallol), 9880966313 (Arka). Or leave your contacts in the form of a comment on nandigram-bangalore.blogspot.com (latest […]
The No-spin Zone - Nandigram, facts and myths (ongoing commentary)
Nov. 26, 2007 - Ration riots - The Disconnect and the Connections - Debarshi Das
Nov. 24, 2007 - Sushilbabur Maaneboi, or how to tell a Sushil from a Harmad and other exam questions - Cheatsheet by Saikat Bandyopadhyay
Nov. 24, 2007 - The Fig Leaf Falls - Debarshi Das
Nov. 21, 2007- An Autumn of Discontent - Debarshi Das
Nov. 18, 2007: The spark of Nandigram - Debarshi Das
Nov.16, 2007: The CPI(M)’s Harmad Bahini - human shields, rape as a weapon and other parallels with private militias the world over - Siddhartha Mitra
Nov. 16, 2007 - Which side are you on, Mr Bhattacharjee? Neo-liberal games and the cloak of turf war - Debarshi Das
Nov. 15, 2007 - How long shall we sing the TINA tune? Nandigram comes to me as burning torch of courage. - Suvarup Saha
November 13, 2007 - “Bol ki lab aazad hain tere” - Debarshi Das
November 12, 2007 - The struggle of memory against forgetting… - Debarshi Das
November 11, 2007 - Are Maoists the new WMDs? - Debarshi Das
November 11, 2007 - Who is fighting this turf-war, and why sides need to be taken - Partho Sarathi Ray
Unity of anti-SEZ forces - an appeal from Lokshashan Andolan - November 3, 2007
Since we may have to discuss several questions on the issue and a significant amount of time may be required for arriving at consensus on several aspects we suggest that we meet for 2 days some time in the middle of December 2007 (or as per the suggestion of the different forces being invited) in Delhi. The venue of the meeting can be fixed later on and can be communicated separately once the date is finalized based on the suggestions of invitees. May we request you to please acknowledge the receipt of this letter through return post or e-mail and send in your suggestions (including a list of organizations who according to you should be invited) for the preparatory meeting in advance (say by end November 2007).
Nandigram - November 2007 violence: Archives
Dozens of articles, detailed chronological reporting, commentary from Sanhati, pictures.
Nandigram under siege - State prepares for CRPF deployment
November 5, 2007
Hundreds of CPI-M gunmen rained bombs and fired shots at Nandigram areas from Khejuri side this evening. Bhumi Uchched Protirodh Committee leader Mr Swadesh Adhikari alleged that CPI-M cadres had called their colleagues to join them in their attack on the BUPC and reinforce their presence in the area. The CPI-M’s intention, it seems, is to capture Nandigram before the arrival of Central forces this week.
The march of the landless - Janadesh 2007 - commentary and pictures
The March in pictures
Janadesh For A National Land Policy - commentary by Vidya Bhushan Rawat
New York Times coverage
SANHATI NEWSLETTER - October 2007
1. Introductory Words 2. How are you, Chandmani, after the Change? 3. Ranihati - an SEZ silently in the making 4. Tea garden closures, underfed families, and starvation in Bengal - some hard facts
5. The Chemical Hub - what are the socio-economic costs and why should we bear them?
Many Feet One Step : The Dispossessed March to Delhi
October 21, 2007
As you read this, some 25,000 men and women from across India’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are making their way up the Grand Trunk Road, walking over 340km from Gwalior to the capital, covering 12km a day on a single meal. Their sole slogan: “Hal karo, bhai, hal karo, zameen ki samasya hal karo (Solve, please do solve the land problem).”
Pratibadi Pooja in Barrackpore to protest market demolition
Place : Nona Chandanpukur Bazaar at Barrackpore
Directions : It is easy to go there from Barrackpur station; you just take a 5 minute, Rs 5 cycle ricksha ride to “Nona Chandanpukur Bajaar”.
Time : On Saptami Dibas, that is on Thursday Otober 18, 2007, at 10. 30 a.m.
The Nona-Chandanpukur Bajaar Byabshayee Bachao Committee will mount a Pratibadi Pooja. They will do so to protest the fact that
i) A market that provided many of the people of Barrackpur with their daily necessities since the early 1950’s has been wantonly destroyed;
ii) The same market had provided a means of livelihood to many hundred traders (they are all members of the Committee), and to their many dependents;
iii) when the Barrackpur Municipality demolished the market, on December 29, 2006, it did so in violation of a Court order enjoining status quo in a case previously filed by the Bachao Committee, a case that is still not disposed of;
iv) the municipality is in contempt of Court, but it cares nothing for that…. and therefore for the rule of law;
v) the interests of the traders were wantonly disregarded by a municipality hungry for the fruits of “development” i.e, for the kick backs that such development would bring to them (Residents of kolkata, remember the case of the Park Circus market).
Meher Engineer, Sabyasachi Deb, Sumit Chowdhury, Aditi Chowdhury, Dipanjan Rai Chaudhuri, Manash Joardar, Pranab Banerjee, Ladly Mukherjee, Shyamal Chakrabarty, Tarun Nashkar have all agreed to be there. So has the Paschim Banga Khet Majdoor Samiti (PBKMS).
Partha Majumdar’s disappearance - Press Conference on Oct 12, 2007
Police abducted Partha Majumdar (30) in front of witnesses. Since 5 September 1997 Partha has disappeared.
The West Bengal Human Rights Commission in its enquiry report confirmed disappearance from police custody.
Ration pilferage, food riots and PDS protests - People speak up against organized thieving and hunger
Food Riots continue in South Bengal - October 7, 2007
A ration dealer’s house and the office of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) were set ablaze in Burdwan district of West Bengal Sunday in the continuing protests against alleged corruption in the public distribution system (PDS) and food grain hoarding that have claimed four lives.
‘Quit Retail’, protestors plan rally on Oct 10
On October 10, 50,000 to 100,000 people - representing associations of farmers, traders, hawkers, and even chemists from all over India - will converge on Mumbai’s Azad Maidan to demand that big corporations quit the retail business.
Documents from the National Anti-SEZ Convention in Kolkata, Oct 1-2, 2007
These discussion documents were presented from MKP during the national anti-SEZ convention in Kolkata, Oct 1-2, 2007.
Click here to read first document [PDF, Bengali, 66KB] »
Click here to read second document [PDF, Bengali, 75KB] »
Students attacked while protesting corruption in Aushgram, Bardhaman - Sept 27, 2007
On September 27th, 2007 a protest rally had been organized by PDSF at Aushgram, in Bardhaman, West Bengal. The protest was against ongoing corruption in managing mid-day meals at the local Telota Primary School. Accounting of rice has shown severe arrears and corruption. It may be recalled that three years ago, near Dignagar locality of Aushgram, CPIM goons had fired on a deputation of farmers and agricultural laborers. The issue at that point had been the local Panchayat scamming in rice and BPL cards. Since then, CPIM local corruption and lawlessness has been exposed time and agian, and their base among common people has consequently eroded.
Rizwanur Rehman’s death - APDR Protest Rally
APDR PROTEST RALLY.
Issue——To condemn the role of police supporting domestic violence leading to unnatural death of Rizwanur Rehman
Date——-26th September
Venue—– Rizwanur’s house - - 7/B Tiljala Lane near Park Circus 4 Bridge. Important Spots close to the venue—–Indian Science Congress Association Hall on Humaun Kabir Road
Time—-2 pm
Please join and request your friends to join. Bring some posters using the matter written bellow:
* Demand Judicial Enquiry regarding Rizawanoor’s Death
* Produce Priyanka before Judicial Magistrate
*Suspend those Police Officers who have supported domestic violence in Priyanka / Rizwanoor episode
Environmental Scientists in Kolkata speak out against Chemical Hub in Noyachar
Translated by Soumya Guhathakurta, Sanhati. Sept. 5, 2007
Scientists Amalesh Choudhury, Shubhash Datta, Manju Bandyopadhyay and Manosh Joardar assess the effects of the proposed Chemical Hub at Nayachar. Developing news regularly updated.
Migrant Labor exploited at IITK, boy dead
The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, has often been the site of extreme labor exploitation.
Singur - An update, post land-acquisition, from APDR and Manthan
August, 2007
This extensive fact-finding report on Dobadi village in Singur covers the following: (1) Dobadi before Tata’s fences came up (2) Dobadi after Tata’s fences came up, with details of Ruidaspara, Madhyapara, Beraberi Purbapara (3) Present economic condition of Khetmajoor by name, amount in debt, and amount of work available. APDR reports that one of its stated aims is to prevent another Amlashol in Singur.
Click here to read Manthan report [PDF, Bengali, 223KB] »
Click here to read APDR report [PDF, Bengali, 51KB] »
Click here to read report on Khetmajoor [PDF, Bengali, 105KB] »
Map of Dobadi [PDF, 84KB] »
Reliance Fresh war heats up in Bengal - Forward Bloc takes stand
August 20 - The Forward Bloc-run agriculture marketing board today threatened a “law-and-order problem” if the government doesn’t stop Reliance from entering Bengal’s farm retail market.
August 18 - Forward Bloc supporters ransack Reliance outlet
Peoples’ Tribunal on Nandigram - Summary of Report - August 11
Contents:
About the Tribunal
The Context
The Road to March 14
What happened on March 14?
The Toll of Dead, Missing, and Injured
The Medical Response
Developments after March 14
Findings and Recommendations
Click here to read Report [PDF, 316KB] »
Click below to read Press Release.
Genetically Modified crops - testing and plans in West Bengal,
Genetically Modified (GM) Crop Testing in West Bengal - report from July 27
No safety checks for GM seeds - report from August 1
Vandana Shiva’s paper Seeds of Suicide covers aspects of the policies of liberalization on the seed sector
Also included is a Znet activist introduction to GM crops, which makes the point that hunger is a political problem, not a biological one.
Sanhati Newsletter - Issue 1, July 29, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. About Us
2. Penetrating the Retail sector in Bengal - the Reliance Juggernaut - Partho Sarathi Ray
3. Mahishadal - SEZ war looms over proposed Chemical Hub
4. Rejoinder to Amartya Sen’s interview in The Telegraph, July 23 - Prof. Dipanjan Rai Chaudhuri
5. U-Turn of Industrial Policy Erodes the Very Base of Agriculture - Analytical piece on economic policy by Prof. Abhijit Guha
Andhra cops fire on land agitators, 8 killed
Statement from Sanhati
Today India again witnessed the felling of protesting farmers by police bullets. Eight people, including a woman and an eight year old boy, were killed in a brutal police firing in Khamman district of Andhra Prdaesh. They were agitating for the implementation of land reforms and housing for the landless. The protests were a part of the day long strike called by the left parties for the implementation of land reforms in Andhra Pradesh.
Arrest of activist Saroj Mohanty: An Urgent Appeal
July 17, 2007 - Message from Kashipur Solidarity Group
Saroj Mohanty, poet and long-time activist with Prakrutik Sampad Surakhya Parishad (PSSP), which has over 15 years been opposing the entry of large bauxite mining companies in Kashipur, has been arrested. Saroj was picked up at a railway station in Rayagada District, on Saturday, 14 July. He […]
JNU students expelled protesting exploitation - Act Now
Stand in solidarity with the student and worker community in JNU against the continued attacks of the administration.
Write to /Call/Fax Vice Chancellor and others - contacts inside
Dilip Singha (PBKMS member) illegaly detained - June 28, 2007
An active member of our union, Dilip Singha , was picked up on 28th June 2007 at 1 AM from his house by the police. No custody memo or arrest warrant was given. Till now ( 5 PM ), no case has been filed, nor has Dilip been produced in court so far. He has been in illegal detention for the past 16 hours.
CPI(M) lies about Tapasi Malik’s death - apologist Vijay Prasad disseminates untruths
June 29, 2007 - Two CPI-M activists, Mr Suhrid Dutta and Mr Debu Malik (no relation), who were arrested in connection with the Tapasi Malik murder case, were remanded in CBI custody by the additional chief judicial magistrate of the Chandernagore SDJM court in Hooghly today.
Untruths by CPI(M) : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the case now believes that the young woman’s father and brother might have had something to do with her murder. (Peoples Democracy, May6, 2007)
Vijay Prasad lies in Counterpunch : “Stories were blown out of context, and allegations flew around (sexual assaults, murders) that have since been shown to be false. The most sensational was the murder of a young woman, Tapasi Malik, who had been a leader in the Singur struggle against the land acquisition. The blogs and the capitalist media blamed this death on the CPM. The Central Bureau of Investigation is now of the view that she was killed by her father and brother.”
Chemical Hub - Ek Nihshobdo Ghatok (A Silent Killer)
From Platform publications, 45 Beniatola Lane, Kolkata 700009
The government of West Bengal has decided to build a chemical hub in the aftermath of Nandigram - the only question right now is where. This article analyses the effects of such a plan. Topics covered include the experience of other countries with chemical industries ( Brazil’s Valley of Death, Japan - the Minamata Disease), the bloody histories of chemical corporations such as Dow, and the effect on the environment and public health.
Click here to read article [Bengali, PDF, 23 pages] »
Compensation protests in Purushottampur, Asansol
The Purushottampur villagers are agitating over 240 acres of non-farm land, earmarked in 1989 for modernising the IISCO Steel Plant. Unlike in Nandigram, villagers here are ready to give up and, but they want a higher compensation and jobs in the plant.
SEZ war looms over Mahishadal, West Bengal
Land-war clouds now threaten to gather over Mahishadal, 10km from Nandigram across the Haldi, with the Centre on Friday approving “in principle” a special economic zone there.
GAJALDOBA: Resisting Eviction In North Bengal
“As refugees from Bangladesh we had settled down on a piece of land Teesta had left behind. Then came the devastating floods. It doesn’t really matter any more as to whether it was only nature’s fury or unannounced release from the barrage. Fact is we lost everything again! We came to Gajaldoba. All around was fallow marshland having risen from the bosom of Teesta. It was 1967. Parimal Mitra, The Forest Minister of the United Front was from North Bengal. He settled us here. We worked hard. After four decades the land is giving us enough. Now they say we’ll have to give up our land and vacate our homes!”
Click here to download article [PDF, 372KB] »
JNU students expelled for protesting worker exploitation - The Facts
In November it came to light that some 15 construction labourers on the campus were laid off work because they had demanded Rs. 70 as opposed to the Rs. 65 per day that they had been getting. Shocked by the fact that this wage was far less than the minimum wage (then Rs. 127 in Delhi), the Students’ Union and several other students had taken up a campaign to ensure minimum wages.
Meghalaya’s people protest Uranium Mining. Starvation in Jalpaiguri’s tea gardens.
June 12, 2007 - Tribal groups blockaded highways in India’s northeast Meghalaya state on Wednesday, the start of a five-day campaign to protest government plans to mine uranium. I shall never allow my land to be used for uranium mining. I am prepared to die but never give up my fight said Spillity Langrin Lyngdoh, an 80-year-old woman from Domisiat area.
Siliguri, June 5 - At least one person dies every day in Jalpaiguri’s closed tea gardens where workers have been battling poverty and hopelessness for the past five years.
WBEN Panel discussion on Development
The West Bengal Education Network (WBEN)is holding a panel discussion on Development and Industrialisation on June 23, Saturday, at 3p.m. at the University Institute Library Hall (2nd floor). This is the first in a series of Panel Discussions that WBEN has planned for the next few months in the wake of the recent controversy over development issues.
Singur Update : June 19, 2007 - from APDR (Association for Protection of Democratic Rights)
If one visits today Gopalnagar, Bajemelia, Beraberi, Khaser Bheri or Jaymolla–the five mouzas in the Singur block one will find able bodied people sitting at their doorsteps or street crossings. They have no work to do–their lands have been forcibly occupied for so called ‘development’. “Development” to them have become synonymous with loss of job, loss of livelihood. Till recently these places were bubbling with activity related to the agriculture–seeing someone walking along the zigzags of the rustic village road, people would leave their work at the field and spare a few minutes for a chat regarding their harvest regarding their movement. While talking about their land, their work, the face would lighten up, the chest would broaden up with pride, while talking about their struggle signs of uncertain future and determination for resisting the onslaught would alternate their body language. Seeing a stranger at the doorstep a few months ago a peasant woman would have welcomed him with her smile and a glass of water, may be with some eatable.
But the protest is still on, occasional attempts to smash the illegal boundary wall has become an added feature along with meetings and demonstrations. The people are confident that their movement will be victorious, very soon they will be able to set foot on their own land which is now behind the walls guarded by armed police.
All India Citizens’ Initiative forms committee to steer country-wide Anti-SEZ movements
June 19, 2007
Eminent jurists, lawyers, educationists, teachers, poets, litterateurs, scientists, artists, social activists, doctors, engineers and people from all walks of life, gathered at Hindi Bhavan, New Delhi today for the All India Citizens’ Convention Against Atrocities on the People of Nandigram and Against Special Economic Zones. Delegates from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, UP, MP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala.
NREGA, PDS, MDM - rural schemes and their implementation
18 June, 2007 : Today an indefinite “Gana dharna” (sit-in demonstration) has began in front of Kakdwip S.D.O office under South 24 Paraganas district of West Bengal- PBKMS
2 February, 2007 : PBKMS rally : Instead of creating job under the NREGA the State Government is now reducing existing employment by grabbing the agricultural land for big and foreign capital in the name of ‘Industrialisation”.
November 1, 2006 : Over 500 landless labourers gathered at a convention in the city to discuss how their search for 100 days of work per year under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has met with opposition. They complained of assaults, threats and intimidation — mostly by the ruling party cadres and leaders at the grassroots
March 31, 2006 : More starvation deaths, more lies in Murshidabad, West Bengal INDIA: Starvation death; abject poverty; government neglect and inaction
National Convention Against Displacement & SEZs - Kashipur, Kalinganagar, Jagatsinghpur, Raigad, Dadri, Singur, Nandigram
Three major mass movements of Orissa, the Kalinganagar Movement, the Movement Against POSCO’s Steel Plant near Paradeep and the Kashipur Movement along with the Raigad Movement of Maharastra and Dadri Movement of UP have decided to hold jointly a National Convention of mass movements fighting Displacement and SEZs on 26th and 27th June 2007 at Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The Nandigram Movement and the Singur Movement have been approached to become the co-organisers of the convention.
Included are the Background note summarizing the nature of these struggles, the invitation letter, and a leaflet for circulation
Indefinite Hunger strike of Narmada oustees Begins - June 6, 2007
On June 6, the dharna of the oustees of the Indira Sagar dam and Omkareshwar dam entered its third day, with over 5000 people sitting in protest against the complete failure of the Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) process in the two dams, and to protect their right to productive livelihoods and the right to live with dignity. Five of the oustees and activists of the Narmada Bachao Andolan also began their indefinite fast and satyagraha today with a resolve not to leave their struggle till all the affected people get their due rights.
Reliance Fresh gets Park Circus Market - retail, displacement, and joblessness
The Calcutta Municipal Corporation mayor-in-council cleared its deal with Reliance to “redevelop” the Park Circus market on June 8, 2007.
India has 35 towns each with a population of over one million. If WalMart were to open, on an average, one store in each of these 35 cities and if each achieved the average Wal-Mart performance per store, the turnover would amount to over Rs 8,033 crore and number of employees to only 10,195. Extrapolated to the rest of the country, it would mean displacing around 4,32,000 persons. In other words, every new Wal-Mart employee will render 40 retailers surplus.
Acquisition of Agricultural Land in Singur and Its Protest — An Incomplete Timeline (May 31 - December, 2006)
From Manthan, April 2007 issue. Translated by Alita Nandi, Sanhati
Click here to download Timeline [MSWord, 60 KB]
Press Release of Peoples’ Tribunal on Nandigram, 28 May 2007 and TASAM Report on Nandigram Massacre
Members of TASAM (Teachers and Scientists Against Maldevelopment) visited Nandigram to distribute aid and find out what the situation was. This is their report, prepared by Debasish Sen, Kunal Chattopadhyay, Kuntal Ghosh, Maroona Murmu, Safiul Mollick, and Soma Marik.
Click here to read TASAM report on Nandigram massacre [PDF, 0.2 MB]
The Peoples’ Tribunal on Nandigram was set up by the All India Citizens’ Initiative, comprising of eminent citizens from various sections of society of India. Its members include Justice Bhargava, Ex-Chief Justice Sikkim High Court; Prabash Joshi, Editor, Jansatta; Minakshi Sen Bandopadhyay, Ex-Member, Womens Commission, Tripura; Lalita Ramdas, Social Activist; John Dayal, Journalist and Human Rights Activist; Jyotirmay Samajder, Doctor; and others. Their aim was to to inquire into the background, causes, course, nature and motive, if any leading to the incident of 14th March.
Appeal to save the life of Dr Pradip Das, serving Nandigram victims
The long and short of it is, Dr. Das has been prevented from attending those patients through the totally illegal interference by the DISTRICT SARBADHIPATI Sri Niranjan Sihi, a non-medical person, with active (willing and unwilling) collaboration of the Hospital Superintendent and some other doctors attending the victims. Sri Sihi, a party man, directly threatened Dr. Das in uncivilized language, over phone while latter was attending the victims on 3rd April morning. Doctor’s crime was that he refused to be a party to the effort of the hospital administration, obviously at the instance of Sarbadhipati to release (i.e. to get rid of) the patients before they are medically fit to go home.
Amnesty International Statement on State force build-up in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa
Amnesty International is deeply concerned at reports that farmers in Jagatsinghpur in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, protesting against their proposed displacement by the state government for a new industrial project, currently fear forced evictions at the hands of the state police force.
New, updated APDR Report on Nandigram in Bengali (April 8)
Click here to read New APDR report in Bengali [PDF, 46 pgs] »
Medical Team Report from Nandigram with names, locations, and injuries - April 5
After the incident of firing by the police at Nandigram on 14.3.2007, report of large-scale injuries and ailments arising out of and as a consequence of the said incident had reached the media. Some doctors and health workers decided to visit the affected area to render the very urgent medical help to the people affected by the incident.
London protest against West Bengal killings calls for scrapping of the SEZ Act
Nearly 50 people gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London on 2nd April 2007 in an angry protest against the Nandigram killings which took place on 14 and 15 March when a 5,000 strong contingent of police opened fire on local people resisting forcible eviction from their land which was to be turned into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
An afternoon in Nandigram - experiences of two medical relief workers
By Surasri Chaudhuri and Gautam Ghosh
The picture changes in Maheshpur. We sit in a roadside tea stall and one by one the people trickle in. Spontaneously they tell us about their travails: how they were beaten up by police and cadres (the name harmad has gained currency here)…Since then peace is gone and every night they hear sounds of gunfire and exploding bombs…
Click to read Gautam’s report [PDF, 2 pgs] »
Another moving experience was a conversation that took place between me and some women and children at the village of Bhangabera, in front of a house barely 20 meters away from the “battlefield” - the bridge over the Talapati canal that leads to Khejuri.All of them were present on that fateful day, having escaped by running away and jumping into ponds, before which some of them were mercilessly beaten up and molested by policemen and CPIM men in khakis.
Click to read Surasri’s report [PDF, 3 pgs]
MASUM - partial list of injured persons, evolving list of missing persons - Nandigram
Evolving list of injured and missing people in Nandigram compiled by MASUM
PAMANGGAS condemns Nandigram massacre, Italian Metal Unions react to Singur
The PAMANGGAS (Panay Guimaras Peasant Solidarity) strongly condems the massacre of 14 farmers in Nandigram, West Bengal, India by the Indian police force.
Italian Metal Unions Condemn Rights Violations in West Bengal, Call on Carmarkers to Move Plant from Singur.
Noam Chomsky supports call for serious independent investigation on Nandigram, James Petras expresses outrage toward CPI(M)
Noam Chomsky has responded to a letter from Sanhati about events in Nandigram, stating that he is aware of what is happening and supports “a call for a serious independent investigation”. James Petras has expressed outrage over the actions of the CPI(M). Other academicians responding include Sheldon Pollock (Columbia), Dipjyoti Majumdar (Concordia), Suman Majumdar (UConn), Swati Chattopadhyay (UC Santa Barbara), and Maitreesh Ghatak (London School of Economics).
Meher Engineer’s personal note on the week of March 12-17, 2007
Singur to Nandigram, and the shiny urban resistance
We had marched to J L Nehru Road along two other major city streets. We started from Wellington Square, which is to the East J L Nehru Road, at 4. 30 pm. We marched down the middle of both streets. We were disrupting traffic, in a major metro and doing it during a peak traffic period. The State was silent. The people on the street watched us in silence as we marched in silence. They did not seem to mind the disruption that we caused. We carried a vivid banner showing Buddha Bhattacharya obsequiously shaking hands with a smiling Rattan Tata. Both men were on top of a mountain of human skulls.
Try to imagine us doing that in Nandigram, at the same time, far away from urban India, its media and its people.
APDR, PBKMS, MASUM final report on Nandigram - March 23, 2007
Sri Amit Dyuti Kumar, Sri Prasad Roychowdhury, Dr. (Mrs.) Subabrata Bhadra, Sri Raghu - representing Association for Protection of Democratic Rights;
Smt. Anurada Talwar, Sri Jeeban, Ms. Panchali Roy, Sri Sandeep, Sri Chiro, Sri Pramod, Sri Gangyly - representing Paschim Banga Kheth Majdoor Samity;
Sri Sadhan Roychowdhury, Sri Subrata Roy, Sri Arjun Das - representing Manabidhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM);
Combined party-police action - Concealing of dead bodies - Systematic rape - Violence and murder of children - Looting - Missing people - Interviews of people in hospitals.
Click here to read FINAL report with pictures and names [29 pgs, PDF] »
March 20, 2007 - Rally by Medical Personnel
Today (20.03.07) a rally was held by medical personnel of various
organisations to protest the Nandigram massacre.
Doctors, medical students, nurses and health workers jointly
participated in the rally to protest against the barbaric act of
the government.
The organisations participating, among others, were-
Shramajibi Swasthya Udyog
Bhaskar Rao Janaswasthya Commitee
Medical College Democratic Students Association (MCDSA)
People’s Right to Health (PRH)
People’s Health
Medical Service Centre
Janaswasthya Swadhikar Mancha
Indian Medical Association (IMA)
There was also a group of nurses.
The rally started from the Administrative Block of Medical
College and terminated at Esplanade - opposite Metro Cinema. It
was followed by a 5 person-deputation to the Governor.
Unite in protest, keep the spirit of protest alive.
Medha Patkar led All India independent fact finding team on Nandigram Massacre - Updated April 10, 2007
Medha Patkar(NBA & National Alliance of Peoples’ Movements, D. Thankappan (New Trade Union Initiative), Dr. B. D. Sharma (Bharat Jan Andolan), Tridib Ghosh (People’s Democratic Front of India), G N Saibaba (Preparatory Committee for the Formation of Anti Displacement Front, Ranchi Conference ), Arun Khote (National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights), Rakesh Rafiq (Juba Bharat), Ram Dhiraj (Ajadi Bachao Andolan), Srimant (Kalinga Nagar Movement), Mehr Engineer (Scientist and Academecian)
Amnesty International Statement on Nandigram Violence, March 14, 2007
Deaths in police firing in Nandigram in West Bengal during protest against displacement due to new industrial project
Amnesty International India is concerned at reports that atleast fifteen people were killed in police firing today in Nandigram which has been the scene of protests for the last few months against possible displacement due to a new chemical project in a proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) Report on Nandigram Violence, March 14, 2007
West Bengal Government with CPM Cadres Begin War against the People of Nandigram.
50 killed and few hundred wounded: women children and men continue to fight. Attack condemned.
State Terror in Nandigram, March 14, 2007
Statement from Sanhati:
Nandigram in East Midnapore district of West Bengal was the site of massive state terror today. Thousands of police personnel, accompanied by paramilitary and Rapid Action Force (RAF) launched a brutal attack on the people of Nandigram during the early hours of 14th March, 2007.
Reports of extensive firing and tear-gassing by the police are coming in. The number of deaths is unclear at this stage and ranges between ten and fifty. Numerous people have suffered grievous injuries. Media personnel are being prevented from entering the area by goons of the ruling party, and at least two have been assaulted.
The full extent of the death and destruction caused by this barbaric mobilisation of state power is still unclear. The people of Nandigram have been bravely resisting the forcible acquisition of their land by the West Bengal government for the setting up of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the Salim group of Indonesia .
In the face of brutal state terror and continued attacks by cadre of the ruling party, the CPI(M), which had caused the death of seven people in January 2007, they have resolutely maintained their resistance against the handing over of their lands to the Salim group. In order to scuttle any moves by the government and the ruling party in this direction, they have maintained strict vigil and prevented the entry of the police and government authorities into their villages over the last few months.
Today’s attack is the culmination of the government’s brutal attempt to break this spirit of resistance. We strongly condemn the murderous force of the state government of West Bengal and stand in solidarity with the struggling people in Nandigram. We urge people the world over to protest this naked display of state power on behalf of the corporate sector, and express their solidarity with the people of Nandigram and other areas in West Bengal who are resisting this neo-liberal onslaught on their lives and livelihoods.
National Alliance of People’s Movements
Press Release, Dec 2, 2006
Today around noon the protesting farmers at Singur faced bullet firing in which three persons including a child and a woman received bullets and tens received injuries. Lately there has been confrontation between the farmers on one side and the Police and the CPM party cadre. Farmers of the area have been facing high handedness of the Left Front Government, which is openly supporting and facilitating the objectionable Land Acquisition for Car plant of Tata Company. Unleashing terror, CPM cadre were seen today helping Police forces in identifying houses of protesting farmers.
Petition from Sanhati, March 14, 2007
Sign online petition at :
http://www.petitiononline.com/nandigra/petition.html
Protest rallies all over the world
March 16 - USA - Washington D.C. - Members of AID begin hunger strike to protest massacre in Nandigram
March 15 - KOLKATA - Jadavpur University FETSU organise a huge procession and roadblock.
March 15 - KOLKATA - Many students in Presidency College boycott classes, organise squads.
March 15 - KOLKATA - MCDSA take initiative in boycott of sports meet in Medical College. Plans for agitation taken.
March 15 - KOLKATA - Sanhati Udyog burn effigy of Chief Minister in College Square, take procession down to AJC road, organise roadbloc.
March 15 - KOLKATA - Intellectuals, academics, writers meet in Esplanade, organise prolonged protest.
March 15 - KOLKATA - Nari Nirjaton Pratirodh Mancha and other activist groups organise procession in Esplanade, hold protest meet there.
March 15 - KOLKATA - MKP campaign all over south and north Kolkata. Organise street corners in Gardenreach area.
March 15 - MUMBAI - YUVA, Zhopadpatti Sangharsh Samiti, NAPM, Initiative, and slumdwellers march from Worli Doordarshan to CPIM office to protest massacre in Nandigram. 15 people arrested.
March 15 - DELHI - MASUM, AHRC, other human rights groups hold rally near Jantar Mantar.
Esplanade, March 17, 2007. Reetabrata, a student, describes the protest meeting
The meeting at Dharmatola today was one of the most memorable ones of my life.
Nabarun Bhattacharyya spoke at the meeting. He declared that he was giving up the Bankim Award that he had received for his novel, Herbert.
Among other speakers, there was painter Samir Aich and also Jaya Mitra and Mridul Dasgupta. In the meantime, a statement by a listener created a stir. He demanded poetry be written about buses burnt on the Bandh Day. Perhaps he found some similarity between charred bodies of raped women and burnt buses…
Poet Joy Goswami read 2 poems, young actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay also spoke. Srijato spoke too. He read a statement from Sanhati, a forum of students and academics in various universities. He also mentioned the website sanhati.com
On stage, Kabir Suman sang the song “Hal chhero na bondhu” (Don’t give up, my friend!). Another artist named Bidyut sang too…and his song was captivating. Young poets read their poems. Poets read poems from little magazines like Bijanto, Ohornish and Onushtoop. Srijato read two poems, one his and one by Shankha Ghosh. Srijato also announced Shankha Ghosh’s message that he was resigning from the Bangla Academy.
It was late afternoon by now. 2000 people had been standing, listening, talking, discussing. Kabir Suman said “Come let’s bury this CPM government. After having meat and rice today, the Chief Minister has announced that he is sorry about the incident!” Bringing a girl to the stage, “Son of a whore Laxman Seth, dumbfuck Binoy Kongar, come and rape in CPM style…lets see what can you do!”
A DYFI leader who had left the party also spoke. Sunanda Sanyal spoke, Sourav spoke for Saptarshi publsihers. The meeting organizers requested people to hold candlelight processions in their respective localities.
At the end, Kabir Suman shared his experiences in Nandigram. He was relatively calm at this stage. He said “Come, let’s love. Let’s celebrate this day! Because there cannot be a revolt without love. Come , let’s laugh heartily when we see CPM leaders! Then let’s join hands ourselves and sing a song “Tahole ekhuno harani protibad” (So protest is still not lost…).
Doctors announced that they were sending a medical team to Nandigram - Dr.Siddhartha Gupta, Dr.Punnaprata Gun and many others. This is how the program ended.
I loved how people from different political affiliations came together and participated, sometimes silent, sometimes excited, but without creating violence.
Resistance News from Nandigram
March 16 - Sonachura, Garchakraberia in Nandigram area recaptured. 10,000 villagers re-entered these places and the CPM cadre army fled in the ensuing battle. Huge police presence in these areas. Locals fear retalliation at night.
March 16 - Tata’s fences broken down at Singur, Beraberi by around a 1000 villagers.
A report from Haripur, site of the proposed nuclear power plant
Source : Naba Dutta, General Secretary - Nagarik Mancha
The news spread like wild-fire. The foremost reaction was that of disbelief. It was unbelievable that they would be dispossessed of their land, their ancestral homestead and their livelihood related to agriculture, sea fishing and sea fish processing. It was not just their property and livelihood but their way of life that they were going to lose. Most of the rooted, jeered at the very concept of, or discussion about compensation. Cutting across party lines there was a growing sense about the need to resist.
Click here to download the report [PDF] »
Fact-finding report on Nandigram
Source :the Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity Jan 22-24, 2007
Tension gripped Nandigram while a local CPI (M) office at Rajaramchawk was ransacked on the 5th January by the excited villagers. Some of the CPI (M) leaders have fled the villages, while much of their rank and file joined the anti - land acquisition movement. Following 3rd January’s incident, the CPI (M) set up a number of camps at Satkhanda near Bhangabera Bridge, Pankhai and Sherkhanchawk in Khejuri -2 block that surround the protesting villages. Arms were being amassed in each of these camps. The plan was clearly one of “cleansing” the villages of dissenters.