CPI(ML) HOME Vol.10, No. 1 2-8 JAN 2007

The Weekly News Bulletin of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)(Liberation)

U-90, Shakarpur, Delhi 110092. Tel: (91)11-22521067. Fax(91)11-22518248

 
In this Issue

A Fearless Fighter against Imperialism

Shameless.  Atrocious.  Outrageous.  Obnoxious.  Such are the words used by democratic forces and human rights activists across the world to describe the hasty execution of Saddam Hussein right on the eve of the Eid celebrations.  The illegally deposed president was not granted either the sovereign immunity to prosecution available to heads of state or the status of prisoner of war, which entails certain protections under international law.  During the farcical 'trial', judges were changed on American orders and defence lawyers killed. Most important, the whole thing was set up by a United States-led coalition that had itself committed the supreme war crime of unprovoked aggression against a sovereign nation.  The entire process was thus null and void in international law, and the execution nothing but a political murder.

The murderers and their ideologues seek to justify their crime by insisting that Saddam was an autocrat guilty of large-scale human rights violation.  It is conveniently forgotten that the president committed most of his alleged crimes with the help of those who now occupy Iraq and that Bush and his cohorts have killed in that country, in three years, more men, women and children than Saddam managed to do in nearly 40.  And there is a more fundamental point.  If Hussein committed crimes as president, it was for the people of that country to remove him and not for any exporter of democracy or self-appointed international police.

It is noteworthy that although during his last, most difficult days he tried to use the appeal of the Koran in the interests of the resistance, Hussein will be remembered as the builder of a modern, more or less secular country in Arab world with advanced health and education facilities.  When we keep in mind the social and historical contexts of Saddam's chequered career and take a holistic view, he stands out -- in the ultimate analysis -- mainly as a courageous third world leader, as one who led his nation in fighting imperialism to the very last and inspired a resistance that goes on even after he disappears from the scene.

By televising the beastly act of revenge, Bush the barbarian sought to proclaim to the world: defy the will of America and this bloody fate could be yours.  But the nearly 70-year-old president mounted the gallows undaunted and proud, graceful and self composed, with anti-American slogans on his lips and became a martyr in the eyes of billions of people within and without Iraq.

His adversary in the US, an election-rigger and a proven liar, also sought to use the execution as a means to obliterate the Iraq Study Group’s judgement that the invasion and occupation of Iraq has been a disaster, as a proof of American ‘success’ in that oil-rich country.  Here again, the results are going to be counter-productive.  For one, the killing will definitely stoke the fires of anti-American struggle in Iraq and beyond.  Also there is a strong likelihood of intensified Shia- Sunni conflict, making Iraq more unmanageable for the US and its puppet government. At the end of the day, the president of America thus stands the loser while his defenceless antagonist dies a national hero.  The former will live on and have two more years to crawl on the lawns of the White House, but in death Saddam stands taller than life.

The militant but coolheaded political vision of the deposed president stands out in bold relief in his last letter too.  His central slogan, of course, is to continue the battle: "Long live Jihad and the mujahedeen".  But he anticipates a major backlash following the assassination, and urges his people to show restraint: "I also call on you not to hate the people of the other countries that attacked us".  Many among them, he points out (his reference is to those like former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark who served him as a defence lawyer), actually helped him during the trial.  This is a mature statesman speaking, a responsible national leader.  Against the backdrop of Shia-Sunni clashes in recent years, he calls on his people to unite against imperialism: "remember that God has enabled you to become an example of love, forgiveness and brotherly coexistence."

Saddam was known to be a reliable friend of India.  But the UPA government’s reaction to the execution has been shamelessly subdued, just like the NDA government's nearly four years ago, when Iraq was invaded. Today,  before our very eyes, an Asian country is colonised, ransacked, looted, some 60,000 of its people killed and the democratically elected president, once a close US ally, hanged -- could there be a clearer demonstration of the threat posed by the American empire-builders to the sovereignty of third world countries?  National interest demands that we take this as a wakeup call and terminate all special relations, including the anti-nation nuclear deal, with the assassins in Washington.

CPI(ML) Condemns the Execution of Saddam Hussein,

Holds Nationwide Protests
Protesters hanged the effigy of US President George Bush
Demands Immediate Withdrawal of US Occupation Forces

New Delhi, 30 Dec. 06.

Communist Party of India (ML) Liberation condemns the execution of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad and terms it one of the ugliest examples of US imperialism and its attempts to dominate over the people of the world, particularly the third world and its resources. This act is in complete violation of all democratic and civil norms and the principles of international law.

The so called tribunal that gave the execution order of Saddam Hussein was set up under the aegis of the US occupation forces which are illegally occupying Iraq. The execution of Saddam Hussein through the judgement of such a tribunal therefore is highly condemnable and also construes an attack on the freedom-loving and justice-seeking people of the world. This execution will have serious implications for the third world. The US-led forces must first quit Iraq and hand over Iraq to her sovereign people who alone have the rights to decide on the future of their country.

The CPI(ML) calls upon the Government of India to convey India’s strong condemnation and demand immediate withdrawal of US-led forces from Iraq.

The Party organised protests all over the country on December 30. The protesters in New Delhi demonstrated from Jantar Mantar to American centre and ‘hanged’ the effigy of US President George Bush before its burning. Similar protests were held in all the state capitals and important centres where party activists strongly condemned US-led imperialism and demanded from the government of India to strongly condemn this incident, to shun the policy of surrender before the US and to demand immediate withdrawal of US-led occupation forces from Iraq.

CPI(ML) activists burnt the effigy of George Bush in front of UP Vidhan Sabha amidst shouting of slogans 'Down with imperialism - Down with George Bush'. Leaders of AIPWA, Tehriq-e-Niswan, Bazm-e-Khawateen, and AICCTU were also present in the protest. Speakers on the occasion said that the haste with which this execution was carried out only shows the fearfulness and cowardice character of US imperialists in front of the world opinion. Protests were also held at other district headquarters including Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Moradabad, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Gazipur, Ballia, Unnao, Gonda, Pilibhit, Faizabad, and Ambedkarnagar.

The protest demonstration was held in Chennai by the Party and at Virudhachalam activists burnt the Bush effigy though police tried to prevent the effigy burning. Nearly 20 protesters were later arrested and a case was framed against them. Protests were also held in other parts of Tamil Nadu. In Tirunelvelli and Krishnagiri demonstration was organised on Dec. 31, while in Erode and Karur the Bush effigies were burnt on Jan. 1. Protests were held at Sengunram, Tambaram, Kumbakinam, Pudukottai, Devakottai, Nellai, Madurai and Salem. Similar protests were also organised in HP Halli and Gangavati in Karnataka. 

In Andhra Pradesh, RYA held out a demonstration at Vidyanagar, while agrarian workers led by CPI(ML) took out a march and effigy burning in Kakinada. People condemned the execution of Saddam Hussein in Visampeta, Yellashwaram and many other places. A joint protest rally was organised in Hyderabad by nine left parties. Comrade B Subhash represented CPI(ML) in this protest.

Nearly a hundred people led by CP(ML) gathered at Abarpura in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on the day of the execution of Saddam Hussein and burnt the effigy of Bush. In Chamoli district of Uttarakhand CPI(ML) held a march jointly with CPI and CPI(M) and carried out the effigy burning. In Rajasthan, a strong protest demonstration was organised in Jaipur which was participated mainly by unorganised sector workers. While in Jhunjhunu hundreds of people marched in the town and burnt the effigy in front of the collectorate. Protests were also held in Punjab. Hundreds of people marched in Bhikhi town, burnt the Bush effigy, condemned the government of India's soft stand in this regard and demanded to break all deals with the US which are harming the interests of the people of the country, including the nuclear deal. A protest meeting and burning of effigy was organised in Bhilai on Dec. 30 by CPI(ML) and Inquilabi Muslim Forum jointly.

People took out protest marches, demonstrations, and burnt Bush effigy in almost all districts of Bihar. A protest march was held in Patna. Other towns also witnessed militant protests. At some places activists came out in streets after hearing the news of Saddam's hanging spontaneously and the protests started immediately since morning.

Cities in Jharkhand also witnessed militant protests on this day. Various programmes were organised in all the corners of the states including Ranchi, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Deoghar, etc. The effigy burning was held in Chakradharpur on Jan. 2.

CPI(ML) Asks Mulayam Govt.'s Resignation for NOIDA Children's Murder Case and a CBI Inquiry

CPI(ML) UP unit has strongly condemned UP's Mulayam Singh Govt. and asked its resignation for kidnapping and murder of tens of children in Nithari village of NOIDA and said that this government has no moral right to stay in power. UP State Secretary Akhilendra Pratap Singh has announced to observe a Black Day on Jan. 5 in the state against the continuing negative and anti-poor attitude of the state government towards the common citizens. A Party investigation team led by Rohtas Rajput had also visited Nithari village. Comrade Akhilendra condemned the UP administration for remaining inert despite the complaints by dozens of parents during last two years while the blind government continued peans in self-praise. This attitude was also evident in the increasing number of starvation deaths, deaths of innumerable children due to lack of medical care and malnutrition in Kushinagar, and kidnappings of minor girls in districts of eastern UP. He also criticized UP Govt. for brutal state repression of peaceful democratic protests on the above issues.

REPORTS

Dharna on the Anniversary of Kalinganagar Massacre

CPI(ML) organised a protest dharna on Jan 2 in Raipur of Chhatisgarh on the occasion of the first anniversary of Kalinganagar Massacre. Thirteen tribal people were killed last year by police when they were opposing handing over of their forest land to Tatas for establishing a steel plant. The ongoing forcible land acquisitions in favour of industrial houses and evictions and displacements of tribal people, poor peasants and agricultural workers was emphatically opposed in this protest. Protesters demanded withdrawal of SEZ policy and cancellation of all MOUs made with the industrial houses in this regard. It was also demanded to hand over Raoghat iron ore mines to Bhilai Steel Plant, to seize the property of polluting industries, and to withdraw cases imposed on peasants facing evictions and displacements. This was addressed by Kavita Krishnan, member Editorial Board of Liberation, Brajendra Tiwari, Ashok Miri and many others. A similar dharna was also held in Jhamshedpur in Jharkhand which was led by CPI(ML) CC member Rajaram.

CPI(ML) to Contest Ten Seats in Punjab

(From the press hand-out issued by CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya in Ludhiana on 23 December '06)

In the forthcoming elections to the Punjab Assembly, CPI(ML) Liberation will contest around ten seats in Mansa, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Barnala districts. The Party's election campaign will be directed against the corrupt and elitist Amrinder Singh regime and highlight the burning issues of the state like agrarian crisis, debt burden on farmers and small traders, diversion of farm land to nonagricultural uses, and increasing oppression of dalits and women. The Party will also campaign against the UPA government's growing pro-US tilt in both economic and foreign policy spheres.

While squarely opposing both the Congress and Akali-BJP combine, the Party will explore the possibilities of having electoral adjustment with like-minded parties of the Left.

Throughout the year 2007, the CPI(ML) will organise a countrywide "OUR COUNTRY, OUR HISTORY - OUR RIGHTS" campaign to mark the 150th anniversary of India's First War of Independence (1857-1859), the centenary of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh's birth and the 40th anniversary of the peasant rebellion of Naxalbari. As part of this yearlong campaign, the Party will organise a massive 'Inquilab Rally' in Delhi on 23 March, the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.

AIPWA Protest at Jharkhand Assembly

All India Progressive Women's Association organised a protest demonstration in front of Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha to highlight various burning issues of women on Dec. 22. Protesting women vehemently opposed bailing out ex-DGP Natrajan who is involved in a case of sexual exploitation of a woman. The issue of women's employment and non-implementation as well as anomalies in NREGA was also raised. Constitution of new State Women's Commission, immediate panchayat elections.

The march was turned into a protest rally in front of the gates of Vidhan Sabha. Speakers condemned the Madhu Kaura govt. of Jharkhand for protecting DGP Natrajan and termed it an insult to the dignity of women. They demanded to dissolve the undemocratically constituted Women's Commission and that an adivasi woman be made the chairperson of a newly constituted Commission. They condemned the UPA govt. for not tabling the Women's Reservation Bill and criticized the Congress and other ruling parties for working against the interests of women.

Women are being deprived from getting employment under NREGA and a large number of them is forced to migrate in search of livelihood. They demanded fifty percent beneficiaries of this scheme to be women, six-hour working day and guarantee of implementation of all provisions of the Act. A 10-point charter of demands was handed over to the Chief Minister after the rally. The protest was led by AIPWA State President Guni Oraon, Secretary Sunita, Poonam Singh, Sushama Mehta, Rupa Besra, Gita Mandal, Singi Khalko and many others. The mass meeting was presided over by State Joint Secretary Chinta Singh.

AIALA to Hold Protests on Jan 16

All India Agricultural Labour Association has called for countrywide protests on Jan. 16, the martyrdom day of Comrade Mahendra Singh. Protest dharna-demonstrations-gherao will be organised at every district headquarter to highlight the 10-point charter of demands and to pressurise the governments for properly implementing the NREGA, to include all poor in BPL list, to strengthen the PDS system, redistribution of surplus lands and to stop acquisitions of agri. land for SEZs, to increase people's control on various developmental projects, homestead land to every agrarian worker family, guarantee of primary education and health care, to implement the Right to Information Act properly, and to demand from the central govt. a safe release of AIALA National Councillor Langtuk Phangcho in Assam who was kidnapped two months ago by militant group UPDS which is under cease-fire agreement with the government. A memorandum will be sent to the President of India through these protests.

CPI(ML) Supporters Kidnapped in Bhojpur

Five CPI(ML) supporters in Jagjivanpur village of Terari block of Bhojpur district, Daroga Mahato, Rameshwar Mahato, Rekha Mahato, Kundan, and Munshi Mahato were kidnapped by nearly thirty armed goons in the night of Dec. 28 when they were protecting their fields. AIALA President Rameshwar Prasad immediately rushed to the spot after hearing the news. He also met the concerned officials and demanded prompt action to ensure the safe release of all persons.

Building Workers' Union in Narela

The Narela unit of Building workers' union in Delhi held its area conference on Dec. 24 and elected a 15-member new committee with Mange Lal Sharma as President, Surendra Panchal as Executive President and Harish Pati as Secretary. The conference reviewed the work report and decided raise the issue of corruption in PDS and exploitation by contractors besides the economic and social issues of building workers. General Secretary of the Building Workers' Union VKS Gautam, CPI(ML) State Committee member Amarnath Tiwary also addressed the conference.

Obituary

Baren Bhattacharya

Baren Bhattacharya CPI(ML) Kolkata District Committee member and Secretary of Tallygunge-Garia area committee expired on 30 December 2006 at Maniktala ESI Hospital in Kolkata. He was suffering from liver abcyss since August 2006. His friends and Kolkata CPI(ML) dist. party comrades left no stone unturned for his recovery from this fatal disease.

He began his career in investigative journalism working in Lok Samachar, a monthly organ of West Bengal People’s Front (Gana Front) as a wholetimer. He also worked without pay as proofreader in the Frontier, a weekly left and revolutionary journal. Later he joined Pratikshan, a Bengali fortnightly magazine, as a permanent staff. But after few years he lost his job due to closing up of Pratikshan. Then he started his new career with the English dailies in which he worked as stinger or as a freelancer expertising on business reports.

Simultaneously he continued his party works organising different sections of people. He played a great role in building up CPI(ML) State Office in Kolkata. He was loved by all for his straightforwardness, simplicity, and resoluteness and he remained loyal to the cause of the people as well as to the party. He was popular by his nickname ‘Barenda’.

The CPI(ML) Kolkata district party committee organized a funeral procession on 31 December from the state party headquarters where party supporters, cadres, Baren’s personal friends were present. He is survived by his wife Madhabi, and his 13 years old daughter Abanti.

The state CPI(ML) party committee in a condolence message said that the party has lost a resolute, dutiful, loyal, and straightforward cadre. His loss is irreparable. The CPI(ML) state party, Kolkata dist. committee, Deshaborty Patrika and Nabanna Patrika Group are very much grieved at this irreparable loss and send their condolences to Baren’s family and his friends who stood by him during the period of his ailment.

Edited, published and printed by S. Bhattacharya for CPI(ML) Liberation from U-90, Shakarpur, Delhi-92; printed at Bol Publication, R-18/2, Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi-92; Phone:22521067; fax: 22518248, e-mail: mlupdate@cpiml.org, website: www.cpiml.org

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