The people belonging to the Dom community have been residing besides the road in Bagain in Brahmpur block of Buxar district for several years now. These people have been associated with CPI(ML) since very long. On 14 September, in the name of removing encroachment, massive police force and the administration reached there with JCB machine to destroy their houses. This was being led by the block CO. As soon as this information was received party activists from nearby areas reached Bagain and raised red flags on the houses to issue warning to the administration. The administration was categorically told that without an alternative arrangement they will not be able to get the poor to leave the land. The pressure of the people forced the administration to bend and enter dialogue. The CO immediately got the land measured and 50 decimal land [1 decimal equals 1/100 acre (40.46 m²)] was distributed to 6 families. The administration also distributed Rs. 5000 for plastic and bamboo. The poor were able to gain a crucial victory, although their struggle continues for permanent homestead and stable livelihoods.
