In a resounding display of unity, Kolkata witnessed a massive gathering on 13 May as Left-wing parties and progressive citizens rallied against the growing tide of war hysteria, communalism, and terrorism. This protest, organised by a coalition of Leftist parties—including CPIML Liberation, CPIM, CPI, SUCI, and RSP—and supported by hundreds of citizens, called for peace, justice, and diplomacy. Days after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack and the loss of twenty-six precious lives, we still do not know when the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Addressing the protest march, CPI(ML) Central Committee member Jayatu Deshmukh stated that a resounding rejection of war and a commitment to people-to-people solidarity will form the foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region. The ceasefire should be used as the first step towards complete de-escalation. Both India and Pakistan must withdraw the announcements made in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and restore full diplomatic relations. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and measures must be taken to ensure lasting peace and promote friendship and cooperation in the region.
The protest followed a disturbing incident on 12 May, when BJP goons attacked a peaceful march organised by citizens opposing the dangerous rhetoric of war and communal hatred. Peaceful demonstrators were met with violence, as BJP thugs launched an unprovoked assault on the rally, injuring several protestors. Shockingly, instead of protecting citizens exercising their democratic rights, the Kolkata Police arrested over a hundred peaceful marchers.
CPI(ML) West Bengal State Committee member Malay Tiwari remarked, “A large contingent of police and RAF personnel had been deployed at the site. Shockingly, instead of protecting the peaceful demonstrators, the police and RAF ended up arresting us - ordinary citizens exercising our democratic right to protest.”
Earlier that day, local BJP leader Sajal Ghosh had posted threats on social media targeting the march. A large group of BJP members gathered at the venue under his leadership just as the rally was about to begin. Although the police initially blocked their path, they soon returned by another route and launched an unprovoked attack on protesters - many of whom were senior citizens - by throwing burnt oil on them. Rather than acting against the BJP goons, the police chose to arrest peaceful demonstrators,” Malay Tiwari said.
The rally was organised under a clear slogan: “Say No to War. We Want Peace.” It is important to note that this call was issued by civil society even before the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced.
The right-wing attack on protesters and the heavy-handed response by the authorities has only strengthened the resolve of Kolkata's citizens, who returned to the streets the next day in even greater numbers.
An anti-war protest was also organised by CPI(ML) in Siliguri, where Politburo member and West Bengal State Secretary Comrade Abhijit Mazumdar addressed the march, calling for an end to warmongering, communal hate, and terrorism.
Bihar: Anti-War Marches Uphold Shared Heritage and Ant-Imperialist Nationalism
Standing firm under the banner of Indian nationalism rooted in anti-imperialism and shared sacrifice, the CPI(ML) and the All India Kisan Mahasabha (AIKM) held statewide programmes across Bihar on 10 May, raising their voices against war-mongering, communal violence, and repression, while calling for peace, harmony, and justice. These events coincided with the anniversary of the First War of Independence against British rule, which began on this day in 1857.
Marches were organised in Patna, Ara, Paliganj, Masaurhi, Gaya, Nawada, Buxar, Banka, and other locations to honour the martyrs of the freedom struggle. In Patna, a march began at the GPO Golambar and culminated in a gathering near the Buddha Smriti Park.
Addressing the gathering in Patna, CPI(ML) Politburo member Meena Tiwari said, “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam is deeply sorrowful. The perpetrators must be given the harshest punishment and brought to justice through legal means, but we must not permit war hysteria in its name. We must not forget that India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed neighbours. People in both countries cannot afford another war. Reject the war frenzy, reduce tensions, and work towards lasting peace. The most affected by war will be women and children. The Indian government should resolve this through diplomatic dialogue.”
Student Protest and Online Campaign
On 9 May, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) organised a demonstration in Kolkata, calling for peace and urging the government to engage in dialogue rather than conflict. “Let us say a loud no to another India-Pakistan war,” said AISA activists, urging both governments to prioritise diplomacy and avoid the devastation that war would bring.
Following the protest, the AISA activists were harassed, doxxed, and subjected to threats by right-wing goons and warmongers. A police FIR was filed by the activists in response to these threats.
As part of the broader anti-war movement, a nationwide online campaign - #SayNoToWar was launched on 9 May on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The campaign quickly gained traction, with thousands of citizens from across the country joining the virtual protest. It became a nationwide call for peace and an unequivocal rejection of communal violence and terrorism.
The solidarity shown both online and, on the ground, represents a growing wave of resistance to the war-mongering rhetoric propagated by sections of the political establishment. Rejecting war hysteria, the voices unanimously condemned terrorism and communal hatred, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack and justice for the victims.
West Bengal Bihar
