We Want A Border of Peace and Friendship, Not War, with Bangladesh

After Pakistan and Nepal, tension has now begun to escalate between India and Bangladesh. It is now reported that as many as 18 BSF jawans have been killed by their Bangladesh counterparts, the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). The jawans were reportedly also tortured before being killed and some of the bodies received by India are apparently mutilated. While BSF officials admit that the jawans might have 'strayed' into Bangladesh, they should have been taken into custody and surely not tortured and mutilated.

Bangladesh government has regretted the incident and promised to hold an inquiry into the whole thing. There are reports to suggest that sections of BDR officials, who are close to Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), deliberately resorted to these provocative acts in order to create a situation of tension across the border and yield electoral dividends to the BNP in the forthcoming elections. Before Bangladesh goes to polls, bordering Indian states of Assam and West Bengal are however already scheduled to have elections on May 10. The issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a sensitive political question in Assam and also increasingly in West Bengal and the BJP and his allies are known for their pronounced anti-Bangladeshi prejudices and politics of anti-immigrant hysteria. Any escalation of tension along India's long eastern border is bound to have adverse political fallout not only in the concerned border provinces but in national politics as well. Outfits of the Sangh Parivar and the Shiv Sena have already begun to bay for the blood of so-called Bangladeshi immigrants, demanding tit-for-tat action and 'exemplary lessons' for Bangladesh.

Democratic forces in both India and Bangladesh must exert pressure on their governments for an immediate reduction of tension and resolution of all contentious issues through dialogues at appropriate levels. Border tension with Bangladesh is potentially an 'ideal' diversion for a beleaguered Vajpayee government under siege. Even otherwise, the present NDA government is most susceptible to pressure from the hawks who are always itching for a war, are thoroughly obsessed with their design of regional hegemony and consider it a sign of shame and appeasement to have friendly relations with neighbours. Secular and democratic Indians must therefore intensify their vigil and prevent the government and saffron forces from further precipitating tension and from making it an alibi for any campaign of 'backlash' against real or imagined Bangladeshis in India.

On the eve of the forthcoming important round of Assembly elections, the political stocks of the Vajpayee government have hit an all-time low. While the Tehelka storm refuses to subside, issues like the humiliating Enron deal and Balco disinvestment have also exposed and embarrassed the government no end. The recent order by SEBI banning Sterlite from raising any capital for the next two years because of its alleged role in the share scam has come as a well-timed slap on the face of the government. For yesterday's investigating journalist and the present-day minister for disinvestment, the shameless Mr. Arun Shourie, SEBI's indictment of Sterlite does not however necessitate any review of the Balco sellout for the deal has already been struck! But the indictment has definitely strengthened the case for all who have been fighting this disinvestment tooth and nail. There is also tremendous popular support in Maharashtra for the demand for scrapping the Enron power-purchase agreement and for even nationalising the Dabhol power plant. The April 25 statewide strike called by almost all trade unions and Left and democratic forces is a reflection of this support. Another reflection of the public mood can be seen in the recent outburst of top leaders of the BMS over Balco and Enron.

The Congress seems to have bought its peace with the Vajpayee government. Put into defensive by corruption allegations against Sonia Gandhi's private secretary Vincent George and the threat of a CBI inquiry against Sonia herself, the Congress has started soft-pedalling the Tehelka controversy. The demand for Vajpayee government's resignation was first reduced to a moral suggestion and now it has been substituted by the proposal to have a joint parliamentary committee. Both BJP and Congress want to take the issue away from the people's court to either a judicial inquiry or to a JPC probe! Left and democratic forces must foil this diversionary design by amplifying the people's voice. It will be a shame to let the Indo-Bangla border tension play spoilsport at such a decisive hour of democracy.

Party Extends Support to Maharashtra Bandh, Demands Dahbol Co. be Nationalised

The CPI(ML) and All-India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) extended their support to "Maharashtra Bandh" on April 25 called by the Anti-Liberalisation Action Committee of Maharashtra on the demand of scrapping the controversial power purchase agreement with the multinational Enron in Dahbol Power Project. "The Government must not only scrap the controversial power purchase deal but utilising its sovereign power, nationalise the Dahbol Power Company", CPI(ML) demanded. CPI(ML) also condemned the Congress-NCP Government of Maharashtra for pushing through Draconian anti-labour laws and playing dubious role in the sale of spinning and textile mills. CPI(ML) also demanded roll back of the Vajpayee Government's decision of disinvesting BALCO in the light of blacklisting of Sterlite company by the SEBI.

Party Expresses Concern over Tension at Bangladesh Border

CPI(ML) expressed concern over the escalation of tension at Bangladesh border. Party General Secretary Com. Dipankar bhattacharya called upon the government to take steps at the highest level to prevent the situation from deteriorating and resolving it at the earliest, particularly with a view to forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal.

Taking Cognizance of Comtempt is Unfortunate

Reacting on Supreme Court taking cognizance of contempt by eminent writer Arundhati Roy, Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar and noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan, CPI(ML) said that although violation of law and justice by the Centre as well as state governments and various other institutions of power takes place day in and day out, Supreme Court never takes cognizance of such offences, but when it comes to the those voicing justice or activists of progressive movemental forces, Supreme Court takes it up promptly. This is really very unfortunate.

Party Foundation Day Observed Throughout the Country With Great Enthusiasm

On the 33rd foundation day of CPI(ML), Party ranks vowed to "rekindle the spirit of Naxalbari" and get equipped in every way "for the rising tide of people's struggles". The "Foundation Day Call" issued this year for the Party ranks says: "The crisis facing the system today awaits a response as radical as Naxalbari. A tremendous social churning is already underway. Flashes of a great upheaval in the making have been seen in recent times in various parts of the country. Politics in the country has to be made to reflect the intensity of toiling India's great battle for survival and articulate the growing yearning for a real change. "

Observing Party foundation day in Delhi, CPI(ML) brought out "anti-corruption rallies" in different areas of National Capital Region and held meetings, in which a call was given to oust Vajpayee government from power. In the morning a procession was brought out in Narela, led by Com. Rajendra Pratholi, Secy. of Delhi State Committee. In East Delhi, a procession covered Patparganj and Mandawali areas and held a mass meeting at Shashi Garden which was addressed by Party General Secretary Com. Dipankar Bhattacharya and CC member Com. Swapan Mukherjee, Delhi SC members Com. Sunita and Vinod K Gautam, Com. Samundra Paswan, Surjit Panchal, VS Shukla, Shashi Bhushan. The meeting was conudcted by Com. Ravindra Sharma. A street play "Four pillars of corruption", written by noted Hindi satirist Harishankar Parsai, was staged by "Sangwari" cultural team led by Com. Radhika Menon. At Shahdara, the march was taken out overcoming police interference and the meeting was addressed by Com. Sunita, Secy. of East Delhi Party Committee, Shashi Bhushan and Ram Abhilash.

In NOIDA, the procession was led by CC member Com. Kumudini Pati, Central Sectt. member Com. Ranjit Abhigyan and others, and a mass meeting was held at Sector-10 addressed by the Party leaders. In Badarpur area, a procession covered the stretch from Jaitpur to Mithapur and the mass meeting was addressed by SC members Com. Shankaran and Santosh Rai and Com. NM Thomas, Ashok Singh, Roop Narain, Dinesh Singh and others. In Nangloi, the procession was led by SC member Com. Jita Kaur, and a meeting was held in front of the Police Station.

The day was also observed at Central Party Office by holding a Central Office cadre meet where the Foundation Day Call was studied.

The 33rd foundation day of CPI(ML) was observed enthusiastically by the Party's Ahmedabad unit at Hatkeshwar Circle on 22 April. Veteran Communist leader Com. Kantilal Dabhi hoisted the red flag and tributes were offered to the martyrs. Main speaker at the meeting was Com. Ranjan Ganguli, incharge of Gujarat Party organisation, who expressed the hope that taking lessons from the Nav Nirman Movement of 1974, progressive sections of Gujarat will march ahead on the path of a revolutionary movement for regeneration of India and play a significant role in the struggle for liberation of our motherland from the clutches of imperialist globalisation. Com. H.J. Pagare, Secretary of Ahmedabad unit, labour leader Com. Baburam and Prahlad Baghela also addressed the meeting. The meeting was presided over by Com. Shyambabu Sharma, branch secretary of Bhaipura Ward of Ahmadabad city. In Haryana, a meeting held at Committee Park was presided by Com. Prem Singh, incharge of Haryana unit and conducted by Ram Kishan. Other speakers include Com. Mahendra Chopra, Karmvir Rana and Jagatram. In his speech Com. Prem Singh said that the Party was born out of struggles of the toiling masses and it has always established the independent identity of left movement in India. He said that the Party would mobilise working people of Haryana against twin ruling parties BJP and Congress.

In Lucknow on this day Lenin Pustak Kendra was inaugurated by noted writer Pankaj Bisht, Editor of Hindi journal 'Samayantar'. The ceremony was presided over by Ajay Singh, General Secretary of Jan Sanskriti Manch and conducted by Com. Ajanta Lohit, Secy. of Party's Lucknow district unit. Writer Naresh Saxena, story writer Mohan Thapaliyal, dramatist Surya Mohan Kulshreshtha were also present at the occasion.

30-Hr. Fast to Demand Judicial Probe into Kanpur Violence

In Kanpur, a continuous dharna is being held at Ramswaroop Park on the demand of judicial enquiry into the recent incident of communal violence. On 22 April, Com. Akhilendra Pratap Singh, Secretary of Party's U.P. State Committee, began a 30-hour fast to press this demand. At the culmination of the dharna, a massive dharna will be organised before the U.P. Assembly at Lucknow on 25 April, demanding resignation of Chief Minister Rajnath Singh. All India Muslim Forum and People's Union for Human Rights will also participate in this dharna.

Firing on Adivasis in M.P. Condemned

Com. Srilata Swaminathan, Party CC member and Gen. Secy. of Rajasthan Kisan Sangathan, strongly condemned the manner in which the government of Madhya Pradesh has fired on innocent tribals who are struggling to preserve their forests and collective property from the depredations made by forest mafias aided by the forest department and local government administration in Jhabua. Com Srilata demanded that those who are responsible on firing and killing four tribals including a child be immediately arrested. She also protested the arrest, detention and torture of Rahul Bannerjee, a social activist and demanded his immediate release. Earlier, Com. Srilata, Mahendra Chaudhary, Secretary of CPI(ML) Rajasthan unit, and two social activists went Dewas for investigating into the police firing on Adivasis on 2 April and met the people there.

Vajpayee Hatao and Panchayat Election Meetings in Bihar

During Panchayat elections in Bihar, Vajpayee Hatao campaign went on simultaneously. In this course, around a dozen mass meetings were held at several places in Ghoshi, Kako, Karpi and Imamganj P.S. in Jahanabad from 13 April to 23 April. In these meetings participants ranged from 150 to 500. Party leaders who addressed the meetings include Com. Kamalesh Sharma, Mahendra Prasad, Bhushan, Pradeep, Kapil Yadav, Navlesh and Vinod Bharati, members of Jahanabad District Committee.

Party Foundation Day Observed in Various Districts of Bihar

Observing Party foundation day and birthday of the great leader of proletariat Com. Lenin, a meeting was held at Party headquarter where red flag was hosted by veteran communist leader and member of Central Control Commission Com. Jagdish Prasad. All the senior Party leader attended the meeting. Tributes were offered to the martyrs of Indian revolution and Party's "Foundation Day Call" was studied. It was resolved to rekindle the spirit of Naxalbari and prepare for the new high tide of mass struggles. Comrades resolved to intensify the Oust Vajpayee campaign centring on Tehelka issue.

At Patna Rural Committee office, Chitkohra red flag was hoisted by veteran comrade Kulranjan Ram and at Maley Bhawan by Com. Ashok Kumar, Asstt. Editor of Samkalin Lokyudh. Red flag was hoisted by Com Shivpujan Yadav at Masaurhi and by Com. Satyanarayan at Paliganj Party offices.

In Arrah town, a procession was taken out under the leadership of Central Committee member Com. Amar. It was attended by around 300 activists and sympathisers. A meeting was also held at the end of the procession. Party activists and sympathisers incarcerated in Arrah Jail also observed Party foundation day by holding a meeting. This apart, Party's foundation day anniversary was observed in various towns and villages of Bhojpur district including Sandesh, Tarari, Agiaon and Jagdishpur. In Jahanabad, a cadre convention was organised to mark the occasion. It was addressed by Com. Ramjatan Sharma, State Party Secretary. In the evening a march was brought out and a mass meeting was also held.

No to Free Trade Area of Americas

Around 60,000 demonstrators converge in Quebec on 20 April to protest against what is being called extension of NAFTA to the whole of North and South American continents under the name of Free Trade Area of Americas. Large number of them arrived from US and Europe and South America. They were workers, students, civil society groups, neighborhood communities, etc. On April 20 and 21, shouting "No to FTAA", they braved water cannons, teargas shells, rubber and plastic bullets to break the the fence at two places of 4 km long security wall, which people called "the wall of shame". Apprehending the protest Quebec police had been making pre-emptive arrests since much earlier. Still when the showdown took place, police turned more violent and brutal than Seattle and people too armed themselves with whatever was available, stones, bottles, molotov cocktail. Clashes also took place along US-Canada border. More than 450 people were arrested and more than 100 were injured, half of them being police officials. Quebec looked like a city under seize. The assertion of workers was quite significant and also people of Quebec extended all help to the protestors including food. Significant role was played by organisations like of Operation Quebec Spring 2001, a coalition of 34 organisations of the Quebec region took unto itself the task of making sure all protesters had shelter and helped prepare the People's March, and a Montreal coalition GOMM (Group opposed the trade globalisation), Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC) and Summit of the Americas Welcoming Committee (CASA).

Simultaneous to it there were demonstrations throughout the continent, including in the USA. Around 300 protestors assembled outside Massachusetts Hall on Harvard Yard at Harvard University in Boston on 21 April. These demonstrations exemplified militancy and solidarity based on a greater political awareness.

7 years of NAFTA have been a nightmare to the workers of North America. In USA, there were 4,00,000 workers lost their job or suffered pay-cuts. In Mexico, one million people earn wages below the minimum wages and 8 million have slipped from middle to below poverty line. Now 34 heads of states assembled in Quebec City of Canada would extend the same content in the name of FTAA, to be accomplished by 2005. Of course, Cuba has been left out because it lacks "democracy", which would ensure freedom to US capital. The protestors exposed that it is nothing but freedom for US multinationals to plunder at the cost of national sovereignty of other countries and people's interests, commanding 800 million consumers of countries with combined GDP of US $10 trillion in the two Americas. Fidel Castro, who was denied entry to Quebec, summed it up as follows: "Washington hopes to use Free Trade Association as a means by which the entire nations can be swallowed up. But what they don't realise is that while the empire can gulp them down, they won't be able to digest them."

At the summit, while many of the rulers silently gulped down the recipe of the US and IMF, there were others who voiced their dissent to American bullying. Venezuela questioned the premise of their so-called democracy, warned disintegration before integration and insisted that the decision should be subjected to people's referendum. Brazil refuted the US concept by saying that "not one America but there are 35 Americas" in the continent. But most of all, the streets of Quebec and the whole continent proved that it is not going to be a cakewalk for US to recolonise the whole continent.

Remembering Lenin on His 132nd Birthday

In the history of revolutions there come to light contradictions that have ripened for decades and centuries. Life becomes unusually eventful. The masses, which have always stood in the shade and have therefore often been ignored and even despised by superficial observers, enter the political arena as active combatants. These masses are learning in practice, and before the eyes of the world are taking their first tentative steps, feeling their way, defining their objectives, testing themselves and the theories of all their ideologists. These masses are making heroic efforts to rise to the occasion and cope with the gigantic tasks of world significance imposed upon them by history; and however great individual defeats may be, however, shattering to us the rivers of blood and the thousands of victims, nothing will ever compare in importance with this direct training that the masses and the classes receive in the course of the revolutionary struggle itself. The history of this struggle is measured in days. And for good reason some foreign newspaper have already started a "diary of the Russian revolution". Let us, too, start one. (from Revolutionary Days)

The fundamental law of revolution, which has been confirmed by all revolutions and especially by all three Russian revolutions in the twentieth century, is as follows: for a revolution to take place it is not enough for the exploited and oppressed masses to realise the impossibility of living in the old way, and demand changes; for a revolution to take place it is essential that the exploiters should not be able to live and rule in the old way. It is only when the "lower classes" do not want to live in the old way and the "upper classes" cannot carry on in the old way that the revolution can triumph. This truth can be expressed in other words: revolution is impossible without a nation-wide crisis (affecting both the exploited and the exploiters). It follows that, for a revolution to take place, it is essential, first, that a majority of the workers (or at least a majority of the class-conscious, thinking and politically active workers) should fully realise that revolution is necessary, and that they should be prepared to die for it; second, that the ruling classes should be going through a governmental crisis, which draws even the most backward masses into politics (symptomatic of any genuine revolution is a rapid, tenfold and even hundredfold increase in the size of the working and oppressed masses -- hitherto apathetic -- who are capable of waging the political struggle), weakens the government, and makes it possible for the revolutionaries to rapidly overthrow it. (from Left-wing Communism, an Infantile Disorder)