On the completion of the 100 days of AIPF campaign for land rights and labour rights, which marks the end of the first phase of the campaign, various programmes were held on 30 June 2015 in different parts of the country. 30 June is also celebrated as ‘Hul Diwas’ for the famous Santhal upsurge against the British Raj.
Jharkhand: Protesting against the Land Acqusition ordinance and the anti-people policies of the Modi government, AIPF & CPI(ML) held a protest demonstration outside the district office in Giridih and also held a march. Hundreds of people participated in this march raising the slogan of “Gaon Shehar se Uthi Awaaz, nahin Chalega Company Raaj” (Call of every village and town, company raj down down!) Addressing the gathering of the people the General Secretary of CPI(ML), Com. Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the one year of Modi government has been dedicated to the service of Adani and Ambani instead of the common people. BJP’s promise of ‘Acche Din” during the election campaign has been long shattered. In Jharkhand and several other states, land and rights of adivasis are being forcefully snatched in keeping with policies aimed at establishing the Company Rule. Comrade Manoj Bhakt, CPI(ML) MLA Com. Rajkumar Yadav and ex CPI(ML) MLA and Jharkhand state in-charge of AIPF, Com. Vinod Singh, also addressed.
A day earlier, on 29 June 2015, an ‘Adhikaar March’ (March for rights) was organized in Dhanbad. The march was led by Com. Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(ML) CC member, Com. Shubendu Sen and Com. Vinod Singh. Hundreds of people participated in the march holding the banner of ‘Save Democracy, Save Jharkhand’. Addressing the march, Com. Dipankar said that with BJP at the centre and the state, the mafia raj had only been strengthened. Referring to the anti-people changes being made in the labour laws, he said that we must already start prepairing for the All India Strike on 2 September.
Protest marches were also organized on ‘Hul Diwas’ by AIPF in Dumka, Garhwa, Gumla and Ramgarh in Jharkhand. CPI(ML) and AIPF leaders addressing these marches pointed out how on this day several years ago, the adivasis of Jharkhand had ignited the spark of revolt against the colonial rule of the Company. Remembering the leaders of that revolt- Siddhu, Kanhu, Chand, Bhairav. Phulo and Jhano, they reminded people the need to once again launch a determined struggle against the present day Company Raj.
Uttar Pradesh: Protest marches, rallies and meetings were held at Lucknow, Kanpur, Baliya, Gazipur, Gorakhpur, Chandauli, Faizabad, Seetapur and Mau among other districts. In Sonebhadra, on the day when AIPF rally for land and labour rights was to be held, i.e., on 30 June, the police arrested the members of the AIPF early morning. Despite the machinations of the administration which besides arresting AIPF leaders, also threatened those who were to participate in the rally, people refused to be bullied into silence and still went ahead to hold the rally.
West Bengal: A massive AIPF rally was organized on 30 June in Kolkata in which hundreds of people participated carrying colourful banners and holding cultural performances. The protestors marched from College square raising slogans demanding end to corporate loot by the Modi Govt. They also held banners demanding release of political prisoners.
Odisha: Programmes were organized in various districts between 24-30 June. In Bhadark district around 300 CPI(ML) activists organized a colourful rally shouting slogans against Modi government under the leadership of Com. Samar Bal and Sanjay Swain. CPI(ML) CC member Com. Yudhistir Mahapatra and SCM Com. Mahendra Parida addressed the rally in front of the office of the district magistrate. Both criticized the Modi government’s one year rule and Naveen government’s corporate friendly policies in the state. On 29 June, protest demonstrations were held in Bhubaneswar and Khurda. On 30 June a huge rally was organized at Rayagada in the leadership of Comrades Tirupati Gamango, Brundaban Bidika and Sambrasabar that saw a massive participation of hundreds of people. In Puri also, around 400 comrades joined the protest rally in front of DM’s office. Demonstrations were also held in Kendrapara and Rourkela.
Puducherry: A People’s Rights Convention was held at Puducherry on 30 June presided by Com. S. Balasubramanian, State Secretary, CPI(ML), in the presence of comrades G. Kandasamy, Trade Union leader in CPWD, M. Muthukannu, Social Activist, R. Thanigai Thambi, Journalist and V. Murthy. The convention was well attended and saw a discussion on several relevant issues. Com. S. Balasundaram, Vice-President AIARLA spoke extensively on the issue of ‘Guarantee of Land, Food and Livelihood’. Others who spoke on various issues affecting the people included Com. K. Mohanasundaram, National Council member, AIPF, Prof. M.L. Thangappa, Member, Advisory Panel, AIPF, Social activist and NCM A. Laigat Ali, P. Murthy, Ex. MLA of Puducherry Assembly, Manjakkal Upendiran, former TU leader and presently editor of local monthly journal, R. Muruganantham, NCM, AIPF and R. Mangayarselvan, Campaign Committee member AIPF. An eleven points resolution was introduced by S. Thamizhmani, Friends of Earth and was passed unanimously.
Andhra Pradesh: A weeklong protests and rallies on ‘Land and Labour Rights’ were held in East Godavari, Srikakulam and Krishna districts. On 30 June, protest programmes were held at Kakinada and Vijaywada. Around 1500 people attended the dharna organized in Kakinada.
