No Indian Lubricant for the US War Machine

The moment the Bush administration described the September 11 terrorist strikes on New York and Washington as acts of war and declared Osama Bin Laden as the prime suspect, it was clear that the US was desperate to push the world into what it calls the first war of the new century. Washington has not yet revealed its war plans except saying that the war would be protracted and many-sided. It however appears that much of the war would be fought through covert operations and by propping up forces like the rag-tag Northern Alliance in Afghanistan.

President Bush has identified his war target as Osama, "dead or alive". But the real target goes far beyond the frail-looking Saudi terrorist. As they say, if there were no Osama the US would have invented one. And in any case, Washington's has been the biggest contribution to the creation of the phenomenon called Osama. In the 1980s, the US had promoted the predecessors of today's Talibans to push back the Soviets from the Afghan soil. As the former US Secretary of State, Zbigniew Brezinski put it with characteristic arrogance, 'What was more important in the world view of history? The Taliban or the fall of the Soviet Empire? A few stirred-up Muslims or the liberation of Central Europe and the end of the Cold War?'

In the name of getting Osama, today the US is actually trying to topple the Taliban regime and instal a pliant and puppet government in Afghanistan. If defeating the Soviet Union in the Cold War was the American priority in the 1980s, today the focus has shifted against China and the Islamic powers, and that explains the renewed American obsession with Afghanistan. But Afghanistan has historically proved to be a most difficult terrain for invaders. America recognizes that only too well and that is why it wants to prop up anti-Taliban forces within Afghanistan while cutting off the support and legitimacy the Taliban regime had been getting so far from countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

The result may ironically prove to be very different. While the Taliban regime is preparing for a protracted war of resistance, there is a distinct surge of popular sympathy in Pakistan for the besieged Talibans. The arm-twisting of Pakistan into the war against Afghanistan has enraged the entire public opinion in the country and resentment is snowballing against the fragile ruling equilibrium. The US of course has assured General Musharraf of all support against any threat of destabilization.

Either way, developments in the region, especially in Pakistan, would seem to mark a sudden end of the road for the India's saffron foreign policy of blind pro-Americanism. Whether Pakistan gets Talibanised or Musharraf is able to save and consolidate his position as a US-backed dictator, the saffron pipe dream of securing American support against Pakistan cannot be prevented from turning into a nightmare. Vajpayee may stoop to any level and announce any number of economic, political and military concessions for his American masters, but he cannot 'conquer' any bigger 'rewards' than the 'consolation' of the lifting of US sanctions or an occasional mention of 'terrorism in Kashmir' in some Collin Powell interview or 'denial' by sources in the White House of any possible American preference to Pakistan over India!

The choice before the Indian people is very clear. We cannot afford a US-imposed war so close to our borders. We cannot afford the stupid saffron policy of pro-Americanism. By opposing Bush's war and Vajpayee's 'appease Bush' policy with all our might, we can, of course, defend our national dignity and save ourselves from the staggering cost of both war and terrorism. And we will certainly not be alone in opposing this unjust war. In spite of the global corporate media's tremendous fancy for war, voices of peace are beginning to be heard from all corners of the world. The awakened world opinion against the disaster wrought in the name of globalisation has started confronting the ugly reality of imperialism and war. If ever there was any confusion that globalisation was all about technology, trade and finance, and that behind the mask of technology it lacked a definite face, the time has come to give all such confusion a decent burial. The ugly but thoroughly recognisable face of war-crazy imperialism is once again peeping out from behind the mask of high technology, free trade and big finance and everywhere the people are boldly standing up against the sordid war games of US imperialism. Strengthening this global campaign against war is an urgent task for every Indian fighter for genuine freedom and democracy.

CPI(ML) Launches Nationwide 'Anti-War Campaign'

On 24 September, CPI(ML) launched a nationwide "Ani-War Campaign" by organising an "Anti-war people's march" in Kolkata. The campaign will culminate on 29 September with anti-war march in Delhi. Similar marches will be organised in Patna and elsewhere on 26 September. On 29 September, marches will also be organised in other cities.

CPI(ML) has appealed to all peace-loving patriotic and democratic forces and citizens to join these marches at different centres and oppose Bush administration's war frenzy and attempts to embroil world peace. The Party has called upon the people to reject and resist Vajpayee government's saffron course of surrender to the US.

The Party expressed solidarity with the ani-war demonstrations and agitations developing in a number of cities in the United States and in several centres of Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, Australia, Phillipines, Indonesia, Bangladesh and other countries. The Party condemned the US President's statement asking people to either side with United States or join the terrorists, describing it a statement of imperialist arrogance. Party said, "People all over the world know enough of US imperialist terrorism. They cannot forget millions of innocent lives killed in most uncivilised operations by the US." Further condemning Bush for declaring that "the war against terrorism includes Jammu and Kashmir", Party said that the US intervention on Kashmir, in any form, will further aggravate the situation and have disastrous implications for domestic situation in India and Vajpayee Govt. must not be allowed to settle with the offer."

A Trick of Convening "RJD Rally" at Govt. Expense

CPI(ML) holds that the government sponsored congregation of panchayat representatives from gram panchayat to district council level, to be held on 2 October at Patna, is in fact a "RJD rally" convened at public expense. Expending more than Rs 5 crore on this exercise is the height of wastefulness and arbitrary use of power. It is to be noted that every participant in this congregation would get Rs 100 per day plus allowance for food as well as other facilities. At a time when Bihar is reeling under the spate of flood and drought, this banquet at Laloo's court is a cruel joke played at the poor people of Bihar.

Party said that it is because of RJD's class unity with NDA that dalits and women were deprived of reservation for the posts of district council chairperson, vice-chairperson, block pramukh, deputy block pramukh and mukhiya in the recently elections. This further ensured domination of feudal elements, criminals and mafia on 80 per cent of these posts. Party also criticised the government for the decree by which the right to sack elected panchayat representatives has been handed over to bureaucracy.

Police Atrocity Resisted in Patna

Hundreds of local people blocked traffic at Beldarichak village on Patna-Masaurhi Road on 16 September to protest police assault on an egg peddler who had asked them to pay for eggs. The protest was led by Com. Nageshwar Paswan, member of Patna District Committee. In a short while force from fours police stations (Gaurichak, Punpun, Dhanarua and Masaurhi) reached the spot and conducted lathicharge, injuring a dozen of people. Com. Nageshwar Paswan was arrested and brought to Gaurichak PS where he was badly beaten. He was sent to jail before people could assemble to gherao the PS. In protest to the whole affair, Patna District Committee of CPI(ML) declared to observe 17 September as protest day. Protest marches were held at various centres in Patna district, in which thousands of people participated. Street corner meetings were also held. Com. Nageshwar and others' immediate and unconditional release; as well as suspension of guilty officials was demanded.

Dharna at Ambedkar Nagar in UP

The Ambedkar Nagar unit of CPI(ML) staged a well-attended dharna led by Party's State Committee member Madan Singh at the Collectorate on 18 September to protest the killing of a dalit Ram Kewalof Bankegaon Terhwa village under Akbarpur PS of the district. Party demanded arrest of the killers and stern action against the guilty policemen, who turned a deaf ear to his request for security against possible attack by feudal lords of the village. There was a dispute over procession of a gram sabha land. As a consequence, Ram Kewal was murdered by the feudal goons in cold blood on 8 September.

Dharna by AICCTU in UP

The trade unions affiliated to AICCTU staged dharna in Kanpur, Raibareilly and other places of the state to protest against anti-worker policies of BJP-led government. AICCTU State Secy. Ramesh Singh Sengar and trade union leader Vijay Vidrohi led the dharna in Kanpur and Raibareilly respectively. The AICCTU, in pursuance of its various demands, has given a call to demonstrate before the Assembly on 27 September. On the same date AISA and RYA are going to stage a dharna before Assembly to put forth their demands relating to employment, fee hike, etc. and to decry the American war cry.

Workers' Procession in Pondicherry

On 15 September, 750 workers staged a procession starting from Industrial Estate, Mettupalayam and proceeded to the Collector's office. Focusing (i) implementation of minimum wages act with a minimum of Rs 2,600 per month plus DA; (ii) opposing the interference from hooligans and henchmen deployed by the industrialists to disrupt the legitimate trade union activities. The procession and mass meeting was led by Balasubramiam, president of AICCTU, Pondicherry, vice president, All-India Hindustan Lever Employees Federation. Com. AS Kumar, vice president AICCTU, Banu, AIPWA National Council member, GA Jagannathan, CPI(ML) and leaders of various other mass organisations addressed the workers.

Demolition Drive to be Resisted in Kolkata

The Left Front Govt. has adopted an adamant stand and ordered to evict the residents of Tolly Nullah in Kolkata before the demolition dateline of 22 September. No rehabilitation scheme has been proposed so far. The "welfare" govt. has increased the eviction transport allowance per family by Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000. Residents however have refused it. Along with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Chairman Subrata Mukherjee of Trinamool, the man enthusiastically leading the demolition operation is CPI(M) minister for urban development, Mr. Ashoke Bhattacharya.

CPI(M) has brushed aside even the opinion of other LF partners. The RSP, the CPI and the Forward Bloc have openly opposed the eviction drive without rehabilitation as anti-poor measures. Now, Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee has also declared her opposition to the eviction attempts. The government has deployed RAF and increased the strength of the concerned police stations with reinforcements. The Anti-eviction Jukta Morcha is not ready to succumb to the government's threat and it has prepared to put up a powerful resistance. On 19th September a relay hunger-strike was observed at Rashbehari Avenue and on 20th September a series of processions covered the whole length of Tolly's Nullah running up to 18 KM. A 7-member delegation led by, among others, convener Arijit Mitra and Prabir Das, Shaktiman Ghosh, SUCI MLA Debaprasad Sarkar met urban development minister Mr. Ashoke Bhattacharya and urged him not to proceed with the eviction operation. They also cautioned the minister that people will not let go their eviction attempts un-resisted, and in case there is bloodshed the government will have to bear full responsibility.

Gate in Memory of Martyr

Com. Kishor Sahni was killed in police firing in Bochaha block of Muzaffarpur while leading an agitation. In his memory, Kishor Sahni Gate was erected at Bochaha. It was inaugurated by Com. KD Yadav, CC member, on 23 September. At the same place district level Kisan Sabha conference started on the same day, attended by 1,000 people.

Fight Racist Attacks, Say No to War!

(Excerpts from South Asia Solidarity Group's Statement issued on Sep. 20, 2001 )

We in South Asia Solidarity Group would like to express our deepest sympathies with the families and friends of all those who have died and been injured as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York on Tuesday 11th September. We condemn those responsible for these horrific attacks.

However we believe that it is important not to simply react but to ask the question why. Why does the US attract such intense hostility? How have these 'terrorists' been created? What will a 'war on terrorism' mean for ordinary people? What are the experiences of Muslims in Britain?

While we condemn the attacks of September 11 we also cannot forget the many thousands of innocent civilians killed by American bombing of Iraq, or in the U.S-backed massacres in Palestinian refugee camps and destruction of Palestinian villages. And we cannot close our eyes to the fact that when George Bush talks of 'Operation Infinite Justice' today, he means the infinite killing of thousands more innocent people in Afghanistan and beyond....

The reality is that the policies of the U.S. government in both the Middle East and Central Asia - as elsewhere in the world have had nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with furthering its own economic and strategic interests. The U.S. has installed, backed and sustained a whole range of repressive and anti-democratic rulers including the Taliban....

America's arm-twisting of the authoritarian Pakistani government to join the U.S.-led 'alliance' in the face of massive popular opposition in Pakistan... Pakistan... is now being made an offer of aid and debt rescheduling it can't refuse. This is a stark illustration of how, in a so-called 'free market' world, the institutions of global capital are used to coerce Third World states into supporting Western strategic and military goals, at a huge cost to their own people.

Meanwhile the pro-U.S, pro-globalisation Hindu fascist parties leading India's government are competing with Pakistan to offer all possible help to Bush's project of destruction. At the same time they are intensifying communal attacks on India's own Muslim and Christian minorities and using the 'war on terrorism' to legitimise even greater repression in Kashmir and elsewhere.

Oppose imperialism and state racism!; Fight racist attacks; Say NO to War!

A Call to Join a New Anti-War Coalition: International A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism)

Please join us in signing this call: Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with all those whose loved ones were lost or injured on September 11, 2001. At this moment, we would all like to take time to reflect, to grieve, to extend sympathy and condolences to all. But we believe that we must do more. We must act now. We are assembling International A.N.S.W.E.R. to call for worldwide rallies against war and racism. On September 29, there will be a national march and rally at the White House in Washington DC, as well as marches on the West Coast of the U.S. and around the world. We call on all people of conscience and progressive organizations to take up this call and organize rallies around the world.

While at this moment thousands of families are in mourning for the death and injuries of loved ones, the Bush administration is taking advantage of the tragic human toll to strengthen the forces of repression while intensifying the Pentagon's war drive, especially in the Middle East.... Now is the time for all people of conscience, all people who oppose racism and war to come together. If you believe in civil liberties and oppose racism and war, join us on September 29 in Lafayette Park. We urge all organizations to join together at this critical time.

A Message from the International Action Center

On September 29 we had planned to demonstrate against the Bush administration's reactionary foreign and domestic policy and the IMF and World Bank. In light of the current crisis, with its tragic consequences for so many thousands of people, we have refocused the call for our demonstration to address the immediate danger posed by racism and the grave threat of a new war.

Say 'No' to the Killer American War Machine on Indian Soil!

Bush Must Stop the Conspiracy to Kill People!

Vajpayee Must Desist from Joining Imperialist War of Aggression

September 29 10 a.m.

Join Anti-War People's March

From Mandi House to Parliament

Join Anti-War Protests Worldwide!

Countries that USA has bombed since the end of World War II:

China 1945-46 Korea 1950-53 China 1950-53 Guatemala 1954 Indonesia 1958 Cuba 1959-60 Guatemala 1960 Congo 1964 Peru 1965 Laos 1964-73 Vietnam 1961-73 Cambodia 1969-70 Guatemala 1967-69 Grenada 1983 Libya 1986 El Salvador 1980s Nicaragua 1980s Panama 1989 Iraq 1991-99 Sudan 1998 Afghanistan 1998 Yugoslavia 1999