US Imperialism -- hands off from India

Debabrata Biswas, M.P., General Secretary, AIFB

We the Indians have suffered long under imperialist oppression and exploitation. We have had to sacrifice millions of our martyrs' lives for the emancipation of our country. We need to be, therefore, cautions about any attempt of revival of neo-colonialism or intrusion of imperialist forces in the name of globalisation or development. It is our apprehension that well-planned designs and programmes are in the offing, initiated by world imperialist forces, particularly the US imperialism, in collusion with our government at the centre and its capitalist lobbies, which may cause re-entry of imperialism to overpower our society, economy and independent foreign policy. Indo-US nuclear deal is only one such example which is threatening our sovereignty.

There are numerous other examples wherein we have noticed with serious concern intrusion of imperialist forces in Indian affairs. The UPA government, as was done by its predecessor NDA government, is making series of agreements with the US in agriculture, defence, power and economic sectors, which are detrimental to the interests of our country. The US imperialism, which is at the apex of world imperialism, is haunting throughout the world for its neo-colonial markets for investments and exploitation. And obviously a vast developing country like India, with its wide market potential, can be one of the best choice for imperialist hegemony having wide scope for exploitation of local resources. Moreover, the position becomes more amenable when a like - minded ruling power can be picked up in the target country. Manmohan Singh government has offered all such congenial opportunities and environment for easy access of the Bush administration to Indian situation.

As we have repeatedly explained, in the ongoing Indo-US nuclear deal the government is succumbing to the pressure of US imperialism, but as a cover up measure the government is misleading the whole nation on the plea of energy security. '123 - Agreement' can not be treated as an ordinary civilian nuclear cooperation. This Agreement is rather under the provisions of the Hyde Act as passed by the US Congress. Subsequent to this Agreement, the Government of India will be under compulsion to submit an annual report on India's nuclear activities to the US President. It shows that we are abandoning our time-tested independent foreign policy based on the Non-Aligned Movement. And at the same time this Agreement will severely damage our country's entire nuclear research and development programmes. It will ultimately push India to be an ally of the US military bloc. While drafting the NCMP, the Congress attempt to include the programme of developing strategic partnership with US was opposed by the Left. Finally, in the NCMP of the UPA government, it has been pledged to continue with independent foreign policy. But that pledge is now threatened to be negated by the '123 - Agreement'.

The joint military exercise of India's army, naval and air forces with those of America and the agreement to implement that will subsequently push India to a big trap that will compel India to be a partner of America's war-mongering pursuits and imperialist aggressions. America would like India to be a base for anti - Iran adventurism. All this would eventually create an unholy temptation among the non-aligned neighboring countries in Asia to go for a counter arm race. It can not be denied that this arms race would give rise to one persistent war-situation adversely affecting the development work for the people.

We must therefore unitedly raise the voice against US imperialism and ask them to be away from India.

Editorial

Oppose Junta crackdown, Support

pro-democracy people's movement in Myanmar

The people of Myanmar have once again come out in limelight through their courageous opposition and fight against the decades-long military rule. In true sense, it's a pro-democracy people's uprising, participated by the reverent Buddhist monks, political activists and by and large the entire students community, which commands respect and support of all the freedom-loving people of the world.

On the other hand, we equally condemn the Military Junta's ruthless crackdown on the innocent people of Myanmar, killing and oppressing them indiscriminately. Thousands of protesters have been injured and arrested and the news have been censored.

In such a situation, India being a great democratic neighboring country should have come out openly in support of the pro-democracy movement of the people of Myanmar and should have also outright condemned the Junta crackdown. But unfortunately, and most regrettably too, the Union government has failed to respond as per the people's expectations and has diplomatically restricted itself in merely expressing concerns at the situation there. And at best, has voiced the demand for release of the Myanmar freedom-fighter and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi. It appears that the Union government has failed to condemn and protest against the large scale violence committed by the military ruler of Myanmar due to India's apparent obligation for having close diplomatic ties and trade relationship with Myanmar. But the UPA government has conveniently forget India's long traditional relationship with Burma(Myanmar) even from the days of our pre-independence freedom struggle and Burma's anti-imperialist democratic movements. India's post-independence Congress governments led by Jawaharlal Nehru - Indira Gandhi had also maintained close relationship with the people and democratic leadership of Myanmar. But now on the plea of narrow trade, economic and border security interests, that the present Congress-led Union government can afford to forget our country's traditional friendship with the people of this neighboring country and defy all democratic values is no doubt a matter of shame and condemnation. The government of India is still continuing supply of military equipments to Myanmar, which might have been used in the crackdown. In view of the present uprising in Myanmar we may not ignore some strange facts that while the USA and the EU and their allies are strongly condemning and opposing the Junta crackdown on pro-democracy people's movement, China-Russia are avoiding taking such steps on the plea that the Junta-People clashes there are their 'internal matters'. It is not difficult to assess the reasons for such divergent views, as both the aforesaid opposing sides are mostly influenced by their respective commerce and trade interests in Myanmar and the biased or favourable views of the Military rulers of Myanmar in respect of USA or China. But it is regrettable that India should also take such biased view in respect of pro-democracy movements ---- only keeping an eye on a short term commercial or other interests. We must keep it in mind that Myanmar's military rulers can not be in power for ever, sooner or later democracy will triumph there. And in that changing circumstances, what should be the attitude of the victorious democratic forces towards India? We can not afford to jeopardize our long term interests, and democratic values as well, in view of our present short term limited interests. We urge upon the government of India to immediately voice our bitter condemnation and strong opposition to Military Junta crackdown and to extend all support to the pro-democracy people's movement in Myanmar.

PASUMPON MUTHURAMALINGA THEVAR, THE SOUTH INDIAN NETAJI

-Debabrata Biswas, M.P; General Secretary, AIFB-

Thevar is a community title of Maravars of Tamilnadu. This community is historically a warrior community of the south India. But if we say Thevar, it means Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. Such is the popularity of the legendary hero Muthuramalinga Thevar. An ardent follower of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and one of the main founders of All India Forward Bloc, Thevar is still living in the minds of millions of people. Now Thevar is not merely a title, it is a feeling, a sentiment and a matter of proud. Throughout Tamilnadu in every Kilo Meter, we can find the statue of Thevar. People of Tamilnadu are worshipping him as a god. In fact he was a saint and a versatile social reformer.

Muthuramalinga Thevar was born to Ukkirapandiya Thevar and Indrani Deviyar on 30th October 1908 in a small village of Pasumpon near Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram District of Tamilnadu. His mother died when he was only six months old. After that, he was brought up by a Muslim lady. His father had obtained a vast area of about thirty-two villages from the Raja of Ramnad. Though born in a very wealthy family who could afford to live in luxury, he preferred to lead a simple life.

After he finished his primary education in the elementary school at Kamuthi run by Ameriacn missionaries, Thevar was admitted to the Madurai American Mission High School. Even though his school education was just ten years he learned English and Tamil literature. He also learned all most all martial arts of contemporary period.

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar participated in the activities of the Congress party early in his teens. In 1928 he had participated in the Conference of Indian National Congress party held in Chennai under the chairmanship of Dr. Ansari, as a delegate from Ramanathapuram District. He was active in swadeshi movement and the movements against untouchability. He vociferously demanded the abolition of Zamindari System. He was in the forefront of the movement for the entry of Harijans into temples. Madurai Meenakshi Mandir was not open to the Harijans. Thevar started a movement and finally succeeded in taking the Harijans into the famous Temple.

His association with Netaji started in 1928 when he met him during the Indian National Congress Session at Chennai. He was very much impressed by the personality and speeches of Netaji. Netaji also noticed the young man from the south. His attachment to Netaji continued to grow over the years. When Netaji formed All India Forward Bloc, Thevar was the organiser of his party in Tamilnadu. As Thevar was a man of the masses and leader in his own right, he had organised the All India Forward Bloc throughout Tamilnadu. Thevar had the capacity like Netaji to enthrall the audience for hours together with his fiery oration. He was very critical of the Anglo-American Axis and adhered to an unflinching advocacy of revolutionary methods to achieve freedom and militant uprising against the suppression let loose by the British. Since he was a vocal leader of the freedom struggle and an associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, he was arrested in 1939. On 22 June 1942, the Forward Bloc was banned and Thevar was once again arrested. Thevar, along with his followers was released from the Vellore prison on 5th September 1945. He was vehemently critical of the British rule in India and he was not for any sort of compromise with the British rulers. In all, Thevar spent nearly 4000 days in jail during the freedom struggle. Being an anti-imperialist, he was not in favour of India maintaining any connection with the Commonwealth. In 1948, Thevar became the President of the state Unit of the All India Forward Bloc. In May 1955, he was elected as the Vice President of the Party.

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was first elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937. He was re-elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1946 unopposed. In the General Elections held in the year 1952 Thevar contested simultaneously in the Mudukulathur Assembly Constituency and also from the Aruppukottai Parliamentary Constituency and won both seats with sizeable majority of votes. In 1957 He contested and from Mudukulathur Assembly Constituency and Srivilliputhur Parliamentary Constituency. In 1962, he contested only in Aruppukottai Parliamentary Constituency and as usual won with a sizable majority of votes without visiting the Constituency. He was in Jail during the election campaign.

He had the broadmindedness to sponsor many others and shape them as future leaders of the country. K. Kamaraj who became the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu and after the President of the Indian National Congress was one among such leaders who was initiated into politics by Thevar. Thevar was of the view that politics without divinity is a body without soul. He believed in clean politics, coupled with a spirit of self-sacrifice. He said ''Politics certainly needs brain... But shoulder and head must combine. Without shoulder if the head is proceed, there will be quixotic programmes, which will end in disaster. To work in politics, a man must have broad shoulders; a good heart and he must be in a position even to lay down his life at any place and in any moment. Then only he will have some peace. By mere intrigue, a man will not succeed and the country that follows him also will go wrong with him".

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, a nationalist to the core, was a democrat in every sense of the term. While participating in a debate in the Madras Legislative Assembly, he made his idea about democracy very clear by saying that " as far as my knowledge of democracy goes, if anything untoward happens in the Legislature, the proper course is to appeal to the electorate outside and get their verdict". Thevar considered that Subhasism was the only way out for the problems faced by India. He defined Subhasism thus: " Uncompromising revolution until the achievement of full blooded socialism to suit the Indian national system, culture and civilization is Subhasism".

Thevar was a Trade Union leader too. He founded and led the Pasumalai Mahalakshmi Mills Workers Union and the Meenakshi Mills Textile Workers Union and wielded great influence among the labourers. He was closely associated with V.V. Giri, himself an eminent labour leader. Thevar whole-heartedly fought for the cause of the labourers and the workers. In 1938-39, he participated in the labour agitation as the leader of the Mahalakshmi Mill Workers. In 1945, Thevar founded the TVS Workers Union at Madurai and was its first President.

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar never believed that Netaji died in the Plane Crash. He did not cooperate with the Sha Nawaz Committee because the members of the Committee failed to answer some of his questions.

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar died on 30th October 1963. Incidentally his birthday and death day are same. On 30th October every year lakhs of people throng Pasumpon village to pay homage to Thevar. The People of Tamilnadu are observing 30th October as 'Guru Puja Day'. The current generation should learn lessons from the life of Thevar and should work for the reconstruction of our motherland as envisaged by Netaji and Muthuramalinga Thevar. It would be the real tribute to this great freedom fighter and ardent nationalist.

AIFB HOLDS DHARNA IN KERALA

The Kerala State Committee of All India Forward Bloc has organised a Dharna in front of Kerala Secretariat at Thiruvananthapuram on 6th October 2007 against the callous attitude of the state government to maintain the roads and to control the epidemics like chikungunea, dengue fever, rat fever etc.

Com. Kaipuzha N. Velappan Nair inaugurated the Dharna. While addressing the dharna Com. Nair said that the ruling LDF government is not sincere to address the issues of the common people. Even after the High Court of Keral's intervention, the government is not ready to repair the roads. All the roads in Kerala are not suitable for journey. Vehicle accidents are happening everyday. The government is adopting an ostrich policy and neglecting the cry of the people.

Com. G. Devarajan, Secretary of All India Forward Bloc said that the people of Kerala has lost their faith in the LDF government. They voted for the LDF with great expectation. The LDF government has failed to rose up to the expectation of the vast majority of the people. The people who fed up with the UDF rule voted for the LDF for change. But the government failed to address their grievances. The state like Kerala is facing major threats in the health sector though Kerala is famous for neatness and cleanliness. The health department has totally failed to check the epidemics and provide proper medicines and treatment for the affected people. The roads are such a dilapidated condition nobody can believe that there were roads. It is not proper to accuse rain, officers and contractors for this crucial condition. In a democratic set up, the government is solely responsible for providing roads and health facilities for its subjects. Com. Devarajan asked the government to act immediately to address the people's issues.

Com. Ram Mohan, State General Secretary of AIFB, Com. K.R. Brahmanandan, Central Committee Member and Kollam District Secretary of the Party, Com. Adv. Sanil Maveli, AIFB Kottayam District Secretary, Com. Velladurai Pandian, AIFB State Committee member, Com. M. Rathinam AIFB Idukki District Secretary, Com. R. Janardhanan Nair, AIFB Pathanamthitta District Secretary, Com. Kazhakoottam Prabhakaran, AIFB Thiruvananthapuram District Secretary, Com. Adv. N.T. Babu, Convenor, Layers Forum, Com. Adv. C.S. Manoj, AIFB State Committee member also addressed the gathering.

Centenary Tributes to Bhagat Singh :

Massive "Delhi Chalo" rally by AIYL

On the occasion of birth centenary of Shahid-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, a massive rally of youths marching from various states of the country, converged at Mandi House Point of New Delhi, from where they proceeded in a colourful procession to hold the two-hour long meeting at Jantar-Mantar, New Delhi on 28th September 2007. All India Youth League took the lead to organise this Delhi Challo rally. All India Students Bloc, TUCC, Agragami Kishan Sabha and other mass fronts of the All India Forward Bloc joined them.

Bimal Rathnayake, JVPs MP of Srilanka and Kwathang from Myanmar joined the meeting as fraternal guest. Moinuddin Shams, President of AIYL presided over the meeting and Sanjoy Bhattacharya, General Secretary of AIYL warmly welcomed the delegates.

The main speaker at the rally Debabrata Biswas MP, General Secretary, All India Forward Bloc said, the anti imperialist struggle led by Netaji, Bhagat Singh and other revolutionary leaders are still very relevant in the present Indian context. Even after 60 years of independence, the uncompromising struggle against the imperialist-capitalist nexus is still very relevant to fulfill the dreams of Bhagat Singh, Netaji and other millions of revolutionaries. Regrettably, the UPA government led by Congress is continuing there anti -people and pro-reach policies, aided by the US imperialism, although they are in power with the support of the Left. The government must remember that by defying the opposition and warning of the Left, if the government still goes ahead to operationalise the Indo-US nuclear deal, they will not be allowed to remain in power with the object of selling -out the country's interests for the benefit of America.

Bimal Rathnayake of Srilanka paid respectful revolutionary tributes to Shahid Bhagat Singh on behalf of the youth of Srilanka. He said, both Srilanka and India heroically fought against the British colonial exploitation for centuries. The youth and the exploited people of both the countries take the vow to continue their struggle against the neo-imperialist forces of the world. It will now be the century of Asia ----- united together against the imperialist and capitalist exploitation. We jointly fight for socialism. He concluded his speech by saying --- long live Bhagat Singh, long live Indian Youth. Kawathang of Myanmar also paid tributes to Netaji and Bhagat Singh.

Sanjay Bhattacharya said, Bhagat Singh very consciously sacrificed his life for the freedom of the country, which he wished to flourish as a Socialist India. AIYL will continue it's fight to fulfill the dream of Bhagat Singh.

Other speakers included Thankachan Vargesh (Kerala), Purnima Biswas (WB), Surendra Kamboj (Uttarakhand), Ajoy Agnihotri (WB), Sanu Chowdhury (Jharkhand), Dr. Arun Singh (UP), Biswanath Saha (Tripura) and Sanjib Kumar (Bihar).

G. Devarajan (AIFB ) in his concluding speech reminded the Union government that millions of our youths are deprived of education, job, health and food security. Through relentless struggle they are preparing to oust the anti people government at the centre.

Dharmendra Verma (Delhi) gave the vote of thanks. The meeting ended with the revolutionary song by Ajoy Udal. Thousands of participants responded to the slogans ------- "Fight against Imperialism", "Discard Indo-US nuclear deal", "Education-Job-Health for all", "Implement National Youth Policy". At the end of the meeting, Moinuddin Shams, Sanjoy Bhattacharya and others submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister.

AIFB Central Secretariat meets in New Delhi

The Central Secretariat of All India Forward Bloc met at New Delhi on 29th September 2007. Com. Naren Dey, Secretary of the All India Forward Bloc presided over the meeting. The meeting took stock of the current national political developments and adopted the draft political document for the National Council Meeting.

The following resolutions were taken at the meeting:

123 Agreement is Not Acceptable to AIFB

The All India Forward Bloc sticks to its earlier stand that in the matter of Indo-US Nuclear Deal, the party will not compromise or will not enter into any adjustment with the government. The government is succumbing to the pressure of imperialism and misguiding the whole nation. The All India Forward Bloc is of the firm opinion that the 123 agreement can not be treated as an ordinary civil nuclear cooperation agreement. This agreement will severely damage our country's entire nuclear research and development programmes. This agreement will make India an associate or ally of the US military bloc. This 123 agreement is under the provisions of the Hyde Act as passed by the American Congress. Government of India will be under compulsion to submit an annual report on our country's nuclear activities to the US President. It shows that we are abandoning our time tested independent foreign policy based on Non Aligned Movement. If the government ignores the concerns expressed by the left parties on the strategic alliance between USA and India, the All India Forward Bloc will take initiative to evolve a joint political decision against the government including the withdrawal of support.

The Central Secretariat of All India Forward Bloc has decided to request the other left parties to take the decision to withdraw the support if the government moves further to operationalize the 123 agreement.

Sethu Samudram Controversy: Another Communal Conspiracy

The All India Forward Bloc is of the firm opinion that all the controversies flared up in the country regarding the proposed Sethu Samudram project is a communal conspiracy and a sinister move to divide the people on the basis of religion. The pilot project was prepared by the BJP-led NDA government. The AIFB is of the opinion that it is an economically viable project and will be beneficial for the seaports of south India. But the affidavit submitted by the government without doing proper homework is highly condemnable. BJP's attempt to link the project with god Sri Ram is a part of their vote bank political gamble. At the same time the remarks made by M. Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu is unwarranted, which would precipitate the situation further. No political leader or social worker has right to hurt the religious sentiments of the people.

The Central Secretariat has decided to expose the incapability of the UPA government and the hypocrisy of the BJP on this issue.

Campaign Against Price Rise

The common people of the country are suffering from soaring price rise of essential commodities in spite of tall claims of the Union government about GDP growth, inflation decline and forex reserve. Skyrocketing price rise is destabilizing the family budget of the poor and the middle class. The government is ignoring the suggestions of the left parties i.e, stop all forward trading of essential commodities, take stringent action against black-marketing and hoarding, amend the Essential Commodities Act etc. The All India Forward Bloc will launch a nation-wide mass action against the price rise from 1st October 2007.

All the lower units of the party are requested to organise protest rallies, meetings, dharnas, picketings etc against price rise from 1st October 2007.

Campaign Against Imperialism

The Central Secretariat of All India Forward Bloc has decided to intensify the campaign against the imperialist interference in the internal matters of our country. In the recent past the US administrators were dictating India to liberalize the economy further, open the agriculture sector for MNCs, withdraw the subsidies, abandon the NAM, severe the relations with Iran and dragging the country towards Logistic Support Agreement as a part of Defence Framework Agreement etc. The AIFB is of the strong opinion that all these dictums from US imperialism are direct interference in our domestic policies and influencing the foreign policy priorities.

All the lower units of the party are requested to intensify our campaign against imperialism and neo-colonialism. Intensive campaigns must be organized from 1st to 21st October 2007 throughout the country.

Campaign Against UPA Government

The All India Forward Bloc will step up the campaign against the anti-people policies of the UPA government. The government is violating the commitment made in the Common Minimum Programme and implementing their hidden agenda. Indiscriminate sanctioning of SEZs, allowing FDI and domestic corporate houses in the retail trade sector, insincerity to implement the recommendations of the Sachar Committee on minorities, and reluctance to frame the rules of Tribal Right Act, neglecting the suicidal saga of farmers, increasing terrorist activities etc. are detrimental to the interest of the country.

The lower units of the party are requested to protest against these policies and to organise rallies, meetings, picketings, awareness campaign etc from 1st October 2007.

Centenary Celebrations of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar

The Central Secretariat of All India Forward Bloc has decided to celebrate the birth centenary of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, the veteran freedom fighter and a close associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The AIFB urges upon the government to issue a special coin on this occasion and rename the Madurai Airport as Muthuramalinga Thevar Airport.

All the lower units of the party are requested to organise special programmes on 31st October 2007 throughout the country. The party will publish a souvenir and will set up a research team to study the life, contribution, parliamentary activities, role in independence struggle and his association with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Solidarity Meeting With Myanmar (Burma)

The Central Secretariat of All India Forward Bloc expressed its concerns on the ongoing military suppression, human right violation and denial of democratic rights to the people by the military junta in (Myanmar) Burma. Myanmar has been ruled by the military since 1962 and refused to handover the power to the elected representatives under the leadership of Aung San Su Kyi.

The All India Forward Bloc will organise a central programme in support of the solidarity movements for restoration of democracy in Myanmar on 13th October 2007 at New Delhi.

Special Conventions of AISB

The Central Secretariat of All India Forward Bloc has decided to streamline the activities of the All India Students Bloc. All the state units of the party are requested to take special initiative to organise seminars on Elitisation of Education, Imperialist designs in Indian education and the democratic and academic rights of the students across the country as a part of strengthening the activities of AISB. The state units of the party are further requested to organise student's conventions to revamp the organizational structure and to prepare for the National Conference of AISB.

State Council Meetings.

All the State Committees of the party are requested to inform the exact venues of the state councils and the timetable for the lower level council meetings to the central office immediately. The Central leaders will attend the State Council Meetings.

FORWARD BLOC FACT-FINDING TEAM VISITS SOUTH ORISSA DISTRICTS REELING UNDER EPIDEMICS

A five member fact finding team of South Orissa regional committee under the leadership of it's general secretary com. Mir Salamat Ali visited Kasinagar, Gumma, Nayagarh, Mohona and R. Udayaguri blocks of Gajapati district and Thuamul-Rampur blocks of Kalahandi districts. The team blamed extreme poverty, consumption of contaminated water, lack of nutritious food and immunity among the inhabitants in the recent monsoon months as the reasons behind the recent epidemics. As per their assessment more than 400 persons died of cholera and other gastro-intestinal diseases in these tribal districts. As per the government norms the families under poverty line are to get 16 kgs of rice at subsidized rate. It was found that rice was not supplied to the poor families under any developmental programme in the last few months. It was further observed that the poor quality and fake Medicines supplied through the government medical system was delaying the recovery process.

The South Orissa Regional committee of AIFB participated in the 12-hour Bandh observed by Congress and other left parties protesting Govt's failure to prevent cholera deaths, female feticide and circulation of fake drugs in the state on 10th September,07.

Minority Conventions throughout the country

As per the resolution adopted by the Central Committee in its meetings held on 20,21 & 22nd July 2007 at Bhubaneswar, Orissa. All India Minority Convention was held at Hindi Sansthan Hall, Hazratgunj Lucknow on 2nd September 2007. The Convention was inaugurated by Com. Debabrata Biswas, General Secretary, All India Forward Bloc and more than 401 delegates attended this Convention. 15 dignitaries from different states expressed their views and 15-point demand resolution was adopted by the Convention. To carry out the programme further, the Minority Conventions will be held on different dates and at different places as per the schedule given below.

There will be three meetings in Uttarpradesh - 28th October,07 at Allahabad, 29th October at Kanpur and 30th October at Aligarh. There will be a meeting at Agra also on suitable date. Beside this the minority convention will be held at the following places -

Date Place

4th November,07 Ahemadabad (Gujrat)

14th November,07 Bangalore (Karnataka)

20th November,07 Guahati (Assam)

24th November,07 Delhi

25th November,07 Patna (Bihar)

In addition to the above programme there will be demonstration throughout the country in front of the Central Government offices on 17 November 2007 demanding Economic Security, Administrative and Social justice for the Minorities.

India faltering to finalise Iran Gas Pipeline project

While UPA government is showing its deep concern about India’s energy security and running after a nuclear deal with USA as a panacea, disturbing news are appearing in the press that India is still faltering to finalise a giant Iran-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline Project which has the potential to meet our energy needs to a great extent. This project envisages the construction of a 2600-km-long pipeline that would bring gas from Iran’s giant South Pars field to Pakistan and India. The Iranian media has recently reported that Iran and Pakistan have finalised an agreement to transfer gas along a cross-border pipeline. It is further reported that India did not participate in the latest round of official talks in Tehran, citing differences with Pakistan over transit fees. Teheran officials believe that a few more rounds of discussions with India can iron out differences on the gas transportation issue. But it is widely apprehended whether India is hesitating to finalise the Iranian gas pipeline project at the pressure of America.

Sporadic Bomb-blasts continue :

Threats to internal security and peace

Next to Mecca Masjid strike at Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) in recent past, another bomb blast ripped through the dargah of Ajmer (Rajasthan) on 11 October 2007, killing 2 and injuring over 17 people. Immediate before Ramzan, such a terror strike in Ajmer dargah, a shrine in Rajasthan venerated by Hindus, Muslims and Christians across northern India, is definitely a heinous effort to provoke communal conflicts. This bomb blast appears to be one in a string of attacks on Muslim religious institutions and civilian targets since 2006. Attacks on Hindu religious institutions, public places were also there in the recent past.

Hardly a few days after Ajmer attack, another bomb blast struck a crowded cinema hall in Ludhiana (Punjab) on 14 October 2007 when at least six people were killed and 25 others injured.

All these terror attacks should not be treated as isolated incidents, rather they appear to be linked and planned with a common object of threatening internal security, communal harmony and peace. The Ministry of Home Affairs have so far miserably failed to combat such terrorist threats, excepting throwing some hints on the existence of some foreign hands, including Bangladesh and Pakistan links, behind these terror attacks. AIFB demands an integrated approach and action plan to meet the challenges of the miscreants.

Sonia-Manmohan's three-Act drama to focus Rahul

In a bid to reorganise and strengthen the party, Congress President Sonia Gandhi announced the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the general secretary of the Congress on 24 September 2007. To bring Rahul more into the limelight and to focus him as an effective future leader, she had perhaps more game plan which became evident in the next act of the drama. Barely a day after his appointment as the General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi in a delegation of Congress office bearers met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 26 September,07 to urge him to extend the scope of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to all the 600 districts of the country. Presently, under the provisions of the Act 100 days of employment is being provided to the rural poor of the selected 330 districts of the country. As expected, Prime Minister promptly assured the Rahul delegation to seriously consider their request. The third act of the drama was enacted immediately on 29th Sept,07, when the Union government announced the extension of the NREGA to the remaining 265 districts to cover the whole country. Although it is a welcome decision, its striking point is this that it has come through a well-planned 3-Act drama only to focus Rahul Gandhi for extracting a political mileage. This same demand was voiced by the Left during the last Budget session of Parliament, but that was not conceded by the government at that time. Of course, we must not miss another important point of the drama, which states that this extension of the NREGA will be effective only from 1 April 2008. As such, the government is not having any obligation at the moment, but carries a lot of publicity value, particularly if the Congress plans for a mid-term election.

TRIBAL PEOPLE ARE STILL DEPRIVED OF FOREST RIGHTS

Due to inordinate delay to frame and notify the Rules, the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 have not yet come into force, although the bill was adopted unanimously by both houses of Parliament in December 2006. It is further reported that a committee for drafting the Rules was formed in March 2007, which has also submitted the draft rules by May 2007. But still the government could not proceed further to implement the Act. It appears that some vested interest lobbies are trying to sabotage the legislation, which is indeed a matter of serious concern. The AIFB strongly condemns the Govt's inaction in the matter and demands immediate implementation of the Act to protect and ensure the rights of tribal people to the forest land they have been living for generations. These tribal people are traditionally depending on the forest resources for their livelihood. But now on various flimsy pleas, the poor forest dwellers are being evicted from their traditional forest holdings in various parts of the country. Reports have reached us that recently some tribal people under the Barikul P.S. of Bankura district, West Bengal have even been arrested when they approached the authority for recording their rights to their traditional forest land. Reports are also pouring in that thousands of forest dwellers are being evicted falsely in the name of the Act from the forest areas of various States like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujrat and Andhra Pradesh. All such confusions and wrongs are committed due to delay in notification of the Act and Rules, which we demand should be done immediately.

West Bengal State Council and District Council meetings

The West Bengal State Council Meeting will be held from 8th to 10th December 2007 at Bolpur, dist. Birbhum, West Bengal. On this occasion the State committee will publish its draft political document by 20th October,07.

The District Council Meetings will be held in between 1st November to 4th December 2007 as per the following schedule.

Sl.No. Name of the District Date

1. Purulia 1-3 November,07

2. South 24 Parganas 1-2 November,07

3. Hooghly 3-4 November,07

4. Nadia 5-6 November,07

5. West Medinipur 7-8 November,07

6. East Medinipur 12-13 November,07

7. Kolkata 14-15 November,07

8. Howrah 16-17 November,07

9. North 24 Parganas 17-18 November,07

10. Burdwan 19-20 November,07

11. Bankura 20-21 November,07

12. Maldah 22-23 November,07

13. Birbhum 22-23 November,07

14. Murshidabad 23-25 November,07

15. South Dinajpur 26-27 November,07

16. North Dinajpur 28-29 November,07

17. Jalpaiguri 30th November &

1st December,07

18. Coochbehar 1-3 December,07

19. Darjeeling 3-4 December,07

Atrocities on Dalits still continue

There are so many lip services, including Reservation, for the Dalits. But in reality, they continue to be victims of economic & social injustice and caste-based atrocities, which occasionally come to light in several parts of the country. One such incident recently happened at Selgaon Lavne village in Wardha district of Maharastra, where one 34-year old Vasanta Bagde was mercilessly beaten up and left to die on 14 August,07. Accidentally he could manage to survive and still recovering at Nagpur. His legs are fractured, one arm broken and head and skin are having injury marks.

Police registered case 12 days after attack. Eight of the accused were arrested, but soon released on bail. The accused are now roaming freely in the village and threaten Dalit families. The victim's only fault was this that he asked for his community (a minority community in the village) a share of 10 wells that had been allotted under the Prime Minister's special package for farmers to various people in the village. Village heads told him that he had no right to ask for it as he was a Mahar (a scheduled caste). Tension still prevails in the village and dalits there fear for life. Who knows what action will be taken against the accused, what to speak about the allotment of a well to the minority SC community of 30 homes in the village. The Union government must come out with positive action plans to stop all such atrocities on dalits.

AIFB THRISSUR DISTRICT CONVENTION HELD SUCCESSFULLY

The Thrissur district convention of All India Forward Bloc was held at Chamber of Commerce Auditorium, Thrissur on 4th and 5th October 2007. 152 delegates from seven assembly constituencies were participated. The Swaraj Round of Thrissur and the nearby areas have been decorated with party flags and flex boards. The people of Thrissur have enthusiastically watched the meeting and publicity of All India Forward Bloc. It was a new experience for the people of Thrissur.

Com. G. Devarajan, Secretary AIFB, inaugurated the meeting. In his inaugural address Com. Devarajan explained about the historical background of All India Forward Bloc and its relevance. He said that Forward Bloc is a product of historical necessity therefore it has no death. Our country is facing multifarious problems due to wrong planning and its insincere implementations.

In his speech Com. Devarajan narrated about the sorry plight of the country even after sixty years of our independence. The government is making tall claims about the economic growth and development of stock markets. But the majority of the people of our country are not benefited from the so-called growth and development. The people are suffering from unemployment, ill health, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure facilities. The twenty percent of the affluent class are enjoying the fruits of the so-called growth and development. The BJP and the Congress (I) are in the same boat so far as these economic policies are concerned. Kerala need a new political culture and a new brand of sincere leadership. The people of Kerala are fed up with the UDF and LDF experiments. Kerala need a true left front like West Bengal so that the left can rule the state uninterruptly. The people should thing about the great contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and should learn from his life and to dedicate them to reconstruct India as dreamt by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The All India Forward Bloc still keep the legacy of Netaji and his political philosophy - Indian Socialism.

Com. V. Ram Mohan, State General Secretary of the Party presided over the meeting. He explained about the kerala politics and the role of All India Forward Bloc. Com. Ram Mohan said that the AIFB has a future in Kerala as it is the only party still working in the country for the betterment of working class with clear political ideology. The AIFB never compromised with the bourgeois parties for temporary parliamentary benefits.

Com. Thankachan Varghese, National Vice President of All India Youth League elaborately described about the political background of Thrissur and how he was able to organise the convention. He expressed confidence that in near future the AIFB will be a force to be reckoned with in Thrissur district. He said that there are number of INA personalities and followers of Netaji are residing in Thrissur district. The AIFB Thrissur unit should explore all the possibilities to expand the activities of the party.

Com. Eldos Painadath, AIFB Ernakulam district Secretary and Com. Denny Pallippat, AIYL state committee member, Com. M.K.Gopan, President Netaji Pratirodha Samity also addressed the gathering. Com. (Adv.) P.A. Roy welcomed the delegates and leaders. He explained about the overwhelming support he got during the preparations for the convention. The people from all walks of life enthusiastically extended their support to the convention after seeing the photographs of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the Posters and Flex boards. He ensured the state leadership that in very near future constituency committees of AIFB will be formed in the district.

A 21-member district committee was formed. Com. (Adv.) P.A. Roy was elected as the Secretary of the committee.

The meeting ended with slogans.

AIFB LEADERS MET KERALA CHIEF MINISTER

A five-member delegation of AIFB met Com. V.S. Achuthananthan, Chief Minister of Kerala on 6th October 200t at his Chamber in the Secretariat. The AIFB leaders have asked the Chief Minister to allot a small plot to install a statue of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar at Munnar Town of Idukki District. The delegation has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister in this regard. There are thousands of Thevar followers are residing in Idukki and are working in the plantations. It is a long pending demand of the party Idukki district Committee. The party has already constructed a flag basement in the Munnar Town. The party wants to expand the base for installing the statue. The Chief Minister said that he would consider the demand of the party sympathetically. The All India Forward Bloc delegation was comprised of Com. G. Devarajan, Com. V. Ram Mohan, Com. Velladurai Pandian, Com. Rathinam and Com. Chelladurai. The meeting lasted for 20 minutes.

All India Agragami Kisan Sabha TamiLnadu State Conference Held at Madurai

The Tamilnadu State Conference of All India Agragami Kisan Sabha was held at Madurai on 6th October, 2007. The delegate session of the conference was held at Malar Mahal, Theni Road, Madurai. 300 delegates were participated. The conference has adopted 28 resolutions about the problems of the farmers and agriculture workers of India in general and Tamilnadu in particular.

Com. Debabrata Biswas, M.P., General Secretary of All India Forward Bloc inaugurated the conference. While addressing the conference, Com. Biswas came down heavily on the central government on their anti-farmers policy and its subservient attitude towards imperialist forces and Multi National Companies. The farmers are committing suicide due to financial debt. The special packages announced by the government are any way helping the farmers. All these packages have became paper tigers. The farmers are not getting adequate remunerative prices and sufficient inputs for forming. The price rise is breaking the backbone of the poor and middle class. The government is ignoring the suggestion made by the left parties to curb the price rise. The government is implementing the economic agenda dictated by World Bank, IMF and TWO. The globalization of Indian Economic has created a handful of millionaires in the country at the cost of a billion poor people. The young generation are reeling under utter frustration and misguided by the anti-national forces. The UPA government has failed to provide a political direction to the nation. Com. Biswas urged upon the working class to come forward and to fight against the increasing menace of imperialism, capitalism and communalism.

The conference has elected a state committee of All India Agragami Kisan Sabha as Com. A. Narayanasamy (President), Com. E.R.R. Maya Thevan (General Secretary) and Com. K.P. Dharmaraj (Treasurer).

The conference has adopted resolutions about the issues of paddy cultivators, sugarcane growers, irrigation, Mullaperiyar Dam, proper marketing facilities, Government negligence MNC, interferences etc. the activists of All India Agragami Kisan Sabha has organized a state wide Dharna on 19th October, 2007 on the basis of the resolution adopted in the conference.

Com. Andi Thevar, Ex MLA, Com. P.V. Kathiravan, Com. P.N. Ammavasi, Com. Mayathevani, Com. Narayana Samy, Com. Dharmaraj etc. also spoke.

AIFB, Karnataka State Committee protests Nuclear Deal and Joint Naval Exercise with US

G.R. Shivasankar, President, AIFB, Karnataka State Committee has stated in a communiqué that Forward Bloc, along with CPI(M) and CPI, staged state-wide protest on 4 September 2007 to oppose the Indo-US Nuclear deal and the joint Naval exercise being conducted with US. The Leftists also jointly organised a series of conventions, seminarsand meetings throughout the State from September 7 to 9, 2007 to discuss the issue of nuclear deal, detrimental to the interests of the country.

AIFB, Jammu & Kashmir State Committee

The General Secretary, All India Forward Bloc, Jammu & Kashmir State Committee has issued a statement welcoming the cease fire of Chief Patron of United Jihad Council, Syed Slaahu-ud-din, which would reduce killings of innocent Kashmiri people. This cease fire should be a big initiative towards peace process in J & K, which is needed to be joined by both sides. He wished a peaceful life for the Kashmiris free from gun-fear.

All India Agragami Kisan Sabha

Central Committee meets in New Delhi

The Central Committee of AIAKS met on 30th September, 2007 in New Delhi and finalised the following Demands for future action programmes :

1. Budgetary allocation in agriculture should be increased adequately.

2. All pending incomplete irrigation projects should be completed within time bound schedule.

3. Agricultural loan upto 5 Acre land holders of Rs. 50,000/- should be provided at 4% interest.

4. Notification and rules should be immediately framed on Scheduled Tribes and traditional Forest Dwellers Bill 2006.