ML Update 49 / 2011

ML Update

A CPI(ML) Weekly News Magazine

Vol. 14, No. 49, 29 NOV – 05 DEC 2011

Resist FDI in Retail:

No to MNC Profits At the Cost of Indian People's Livelihood!

 

Delivering a huge blow to crores of small retailers in India, the UPA Government has taken a decision to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail. This will mean that the giant MNC retail chains can open outlets in India. The move has been met with widespread opposition – not only from traders' organisations who have called for a nationwide bandh, and from Opposition parties of all hues, but even from some UPA allies. The TMC and DMK have come out in opposition to the move, while even several Cabinet members are known to have expressed reservations or dissent openly, wary as they are of the price they may have to pay during the next elections. Meanwhile, while so many sections within the Government and the parliament are opposing the move, the US Ambassador has come out in support of the decision!

 

Faced with widespread countrywide opposition, the UPA Government is resorting to blatant propaganda for the corporates and MNCs. It has brought out full-page ads in papers extolling FDI in retail. Unwittingly, these ads acknowledge people's concerns of job losses, of kirana store owners being put out of business, of multinationals gaining full access to and control of India's retail sector, of farmers being exploited - but attempt to dismiss these concerns as 'myths.' The UPA Government, as well as corporates and neoliberal ideologues, are telling us that if companies like Walmart (the US MNC, one of the world's biggest retail chains), Carrefour, Tesco etc are given more space in India's retail sector, they will create ten million new jobs; ensure low prices for consumers; and a better deal for farmers.

 

The truth of these claims can be judged by the fact that Walmart has been struggling in vain since 2005 to open an outlet in one of the USA's most prominent cities - New York City. Local people and unions in NYC are unwilling to allow Walmart into their city because it is notorious for killing jobs; putting mom-and-pop (family-run) stores out of business; destroying communities by driving down wages and driving up real estate prices; disallowing unions; and extremely exploitative working conditions. Now, the UPA Government is inviting Walmart, which is unwelcome in its own home country, to put small stores out of business, kill jobs and employ people in sweatshop conditions in India!

 

Walmart is run by the Walton family - which is the richest family in the world. Is it fair to force small Indian family stores and street vendors to compete with the richest in the world? It is well known that such MNC giant retailers resort to predatory pricing, squeezing out the smaller retailers by selling at low prices, only to hike prices once they have a monopoly on the market. So, the benefits for consumers are purely illusory and short-lived.

 

In India, there are around 1.2 crore shops, employing 4 crore people. Most of these are small, self-employed establishments. The retail sector is also the refuge of those unable to find employment elsewhere, allowing them a chance to eke out a living by running small shops, pushing handcarts or selling vegetables on the street. Even if we accept the Govt's claim that FDI in retail will create a crore jobs, should we not ask how many jobs and means of survival it will jeopardise and destroy in India? Moreover, the quality of jobs in the corporate and MNC retail chains are notorious the world over for being the worst paid and exploitative, with the least workplace democracy.

 

The much-touted benefits for farmers are equally far-fetched. All around the world, it has been seen how corporate and MNC retail chains squeeze small farmers, forcing them to sell at low prices and laying down arbitrary quality standards which most farmers can't meet. By allowing FDI in retail, the Government is actually paving the way to cut back on procurement by Government, which will further jeopardise agriculture and food security.

 

Not long ago, on the Lokpal issue, the Government was preaching Parliamentary supremacy to people protesting on the streets. Now, when it is clear that the majority in Parliament is opposed to FDI in retail, the Government is audacious enough to take such a vital policy decision merely by holding a Cabinet meeting even as Parliament is in session – claiming that the decision needs no Parliamentary debate or approval!

 

The Government claims to have provided certain checks and safeguards, like restricting foreign retail chains to 51 cities in India and requiring them to source 30% products from the Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). But the fact remains that even if the MNC retail chains are initially limited to the bigger Indian cities, it is not difficult to see that they will skim off the cream of the Indian retail market. Also, a token 30% reservation would not save the Indian SMEs from the adverse impact of unequal global competition. We have all witnessed how, with the entry of Pepsi and Coke in the soft drink sector, all Indian companies were swallowed up or pushed out.

 

The UPA Government, in its full-page ads, ends by making a telling comparison. Manmohan Singh ushered in the Liberalisation-Privatisation-Globalisation two decades ago, they say, and now it's the turn for a 'revolution' in the retail sector. In fact, the LPG policies have wreaked havoc on jobs and livelihood, workers' rights, agriculture and farmers' survival. Now, it is the retail sector – and the survival of countless family store owners, street vendors, suppliers and sales workers, shop employees and workers involved in transportation of goods, small-scale producers and small farmers – that is the target! Already, Reliance and other Indian corporates are getting a foothold in the Indian retail market. Now the giant MNC retail chains are being invited in.

 

Let us join the traders, unions and common people all over the country in forcing the Govt. to back down on FDI in retail! Let's tell the UPA Govt - we won't allow Walmarts of the world to rob our people of livelihood and survival!

 

Farmers Hold "Kisan Sansad" at Parliament Street:

Demand Withdrawal of LARR Bill and FDI in Retail

"In the interests of food security and environment, enact laws to protect agricultural, forest and coastal land from land grab" – Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary, CPI(ML)

 

New Delhi, November 30 :

 

Hundreds of famers from all over the country gathered at Parliament Street today to hold a 'Farmers' Parliament' (Kisan Sansad) on policy issues affecting farmers, including the Land Acquisition Bill and FDI in retail. The Kisan Sansad, organized by the All India Kisan Mahasabha (AIKM), was attended by farmers from UP, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, Bengal, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha and several other states.

 

Introducing the Kisan Sansad, Rajaram Singh, General Secretary of AIKM, said, "Parliament and Government are pushing through Bills and policies affecting farmers – without even consulting the farmers themselves. This is why we farmers are holding a Farmers' Parliament – to assert farmers' own views on laws and policies affecting them."

 

The Kisan Sansad was presided by Ruldu Singh, President, AIKM, AIKM Vice Presidents Kartick Pal, Prem Singh Gehlawat, Devendra Singh Chauhan, Rajaram, as well as CPI(ML) CC Member and former Jharkhand MLA Bahadur Oraon.

 

The assembled farmers debated resolutions on the LARR Bill and the FDI in retail policy. The Kisan Sansad adopted a resolution demanding withdrawal of the UPA Government's LARR Bill, declaring it to be a blueprint for land grab. Instead they demanded measures to protect agricultural, forest and costal land from land grab.

 

Addressing the Kisan Sansad, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said, "Land grab threatens not only the survival of farmers but also the country's food security and environment. The LARR Bill's provision allowing acquisition of up to 5 percent of multi-crop irrigated area in a district will jeopardize food security. The Government must withdraw the anti-farmer LARR Bill, and instead enact protection for agricultural, forest and costal land in the interests of food security and environment." He continued, "Land reform laws mandate that government lands be redistributed among the landless. Violating this principle, the LARR Bill paves the way to hand these over to corporates!" He concluded, "The UPA Govt is trying to hand over India's agriculture and retailing to MNCs and corporates – but the farmers are holding their own Parliament, and tell the Government and Parliament that they will not allow anti-farmer policies to be pushed through."

 

The Kisan Sansad also adopted a resolution condemning the Government's unilateral decision allowing 51% FDI in multi-brand retail. Rajaram Singh, AIKM General Secretary, said, "The PM is claiming that this measure will benefit farmers. In reality, the experience all over the world has shown that giant MNC retail chains tend to source produce mainly from very large farmers and contract farms. Small farmers inevitably lose out, because they cannot match the arbitrary quality standards of these chains. The MNC retailers also arm-twist farmers into selling cheap. Procurement by MNCs will reduce Government procurement, and will mainly divert the produce towards food processing – jeopardizing food security." FDI in retail will threaten not only small retailers in India, but also small farmers, agriculture and food security, famers felt.

 

The Kisan Sansad also passed resolutions demanding withdrawal of the anti-farmer Seed Bill. They also demanded the release of activists Afroz Alam of CPI(ML) in Uttar Pradesh and Abhay Sahoo, the anti-POSCO leader from Odisha, who have been jailed while leading struggles of rural poor and peasantry.

 

The Kisan Sansad was also addressed by CPI(ML)  CCM and AICCTU General Secretary Comrade Swapan Mukherjee and senior journalist Shri Kuldeep Nayyar.

 

The resolutions passed were submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker as well as MPs of all parties, demanding that Parliament heed the opinions of the Kisan Sansad.

 

Rajaram Singh,

General Secretary, AIKM

 

Support Traders' Bandh on 1 December

Protest Against 51% FDI in Retail

(Party's statement)

 

The CPI(ML) condemns the Cabinet decision to introduce 51% FDI in multi-brand retail. This measure will hand over the Indian consumer market to the big multinational retail corporations like Wal-Mart etc., and will jeopardize the livelihood and survival of innumerable small retailers and shop employees in India.

 

The CPI(ML) extends support to the countrywide bandh called by the Confederation of Indian Traders on 1 December against the move to introduce 51% FDI in multi-brand retail, and calls upon its units and mass organisations to hold protest actions.

 

CPI(ML) Central Committee

 

 

Protests against The UPA Govt.'s Move to Introduce 51% FDI in Multi-Brand Retail

 

New Delhi – 30 November: PM's Effigy Burnt

 

Unorganised sector workers, street vendors, and people from all walks of life under the banner of CPI(ML) burnt the effigy of Manmohan Singh at Jantar Mantar in protest against the Government's decision to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail. The protestors held placards asking, "When New York can show red light to Walmart, why red carpet for Walmart in India?"; "No to Assault of MNCs on India's Retail Sector!" and "Shame on Manmohan Singh – Agent of MNCs." A protest meeting was held, which was addressed by Comrades Sanjay Sharma, Kavita Krishnan (CCMs), Santosh Rai and Shyam Kishore.

 

Sanjay Sharma, Delhi State Secretary, CPI(ML), expressed the party's support for the countrywide traders' bandh called on 1 December against FDI in retail, saying that such an anti-people move that is being supported only by corporate and MNC lobbies and imperialist powers, and is opposed by the vast majority of Indian people must never be allowed.

 

Tamilnadu - 29 November: CPI(ML) held protests all over the state demanding withdrawal of FDI in retail.

In Coimbatore a public meeting was held in which over 300 workers participated. Comrades N Krishnamurthy, State Secretary of All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) and S Kumarasami, Politburo member of CPI(ML) addressed the meeting.

 

In Chennai a demonstration was held in which more than 100 workers participated. Com. Munusami, City Committee Member of the Party led the protest. Com. S Sekar, SCM and Com. Bharathi, State President of All India Students' Association (AISA), spoke in the meeting. Mr. Karunakaran, District President of Tamilnadu Traders' Association participated in the meeting and warmly welcomed our quick initiative saying that CPI(ML) only is advancing the cause of poor and it has gone to the streets immediately on the issue of FDI in retail. He said that he draws strength from the demonstration to help in implementing the December 1 All India Traders' Strike forcefully in Chennai.

 

In Gandarvakottai of Pudukottai a demonstration was held in the market. The demonstration drew the attention of the traders in the market and the local traders' association representative spoke in the meeting following the demonstration. They said that only after listening to the speakers at this demonstration they came to know about the December 1 All India Traders' Strike and that they would spare no efforts for its implementation.

 

In Tirunelveli, a padayatra was held in Suthamalli and demonstrations were held at two centres. Comrade T Sankarapandian addressed the demonstrations. Demonstrations were also held in Kanyakumari, Villupuram and Salem. In Tiruvallore, the police did not let the demonstration take place.

 

Programmes against AFSPA and in Solidarity with Irom Sharmila

 

Several organisations in Wardha, University professors, social activists, students, AISA, AIPWA and CPI(ML) leaders and activists from Nagpur city and intellectuals jointly held a procession on 5 November at Wardha in Maharashtra to express solidarity with Irom Sharmila, who has been on hunger fast for last eleven years to press for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from North East. The march was organised by JanAdhikar Manch.

 

The procession marched ten kilometres before reaching the District Magistrate's office where a day-long fast was observed. During the day long hunger strike the students performed various street plays and group songs. The meeting that followed was addressed by AISA's Maharashtra President- Abhilasha and CPI(ML)'s Harendra Srivastava among others. AISA activists played crucial role in organising this programme.

 

Varanasi - Film Screening: AIPWA organised a film screening on 5 November at Lanka in Varanasi against the AFSPA and in solidarity with Irom Sharmila. The film – AFSPA 1958 – directed by Haoban Pawan Kumar, is wel known for very closely capturing the harrowing trauma that the people of Manipur and north-east, especially women have been subjected to since the AFSPA was imposed in the region. The impact of the visuals was evident from the moist eyes of the viewers at the film screening. AIPWA dedicated the programme to the steely resolve of Irom Sharmila.

 

AISA, RYA Hunger Protest against Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project

 

AISA and Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA) held a fast on 26 November in Chennai demanding scrapping of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project. Over 150 students-youth and workers participated in the day long hunger strike. The protestors also demanded from UPA government to withdraw its decision on FDI in retail. Com. Bharathi, State President of AISA led the protest. Com. Venkatachalam, State General Secretary of AISA and Com. Malarvizhi, State Secretary, AISA, addressed the fasting protesters.

 

AIPWA Demonstration against Hikes in Milk Price and Bus Fare

 

In Chennai the All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) held a demonstration on 24 November demanding immediate withdrawal of milk price rise and bus fare hike which has virtually broken the back of the poor and the working people of Tamilnadu. Dozens of women took part in the demonstration. Com. Devaki, AIPWA State VP led the protest. Com. Thenmozhi, AIPWA State President addressed the gathering.

 

Earlier, on 7 November, on the anniversary of Russian Revolution, AIPWA's Chennai unit held a study class on 'Our Revolution, Our Party and Women's Movement: Basic Concepts and Our Tasks'. In the class it was also decided to concentrate on membership and the forthcoming AIPWA's All India Conference. Com. Devaki, AIPWA State Vice President presided over and Com. Thenmozhi, AIPWA State President, spoke about the immediate tasks ahead.

 

 Odisha: Arrest Condemned

 

The Odisha State Committee of the CPI(ML) condemned the arrest of a leader of the anti-Posco  struggle Abhaya Sahoo in false cases like murder and dalit atrocities. Comrade Khitish Biswal, Party's State Secretary said that due to popular movement and broadest support of people people the Posco has been thwarted in its attempt to displace people and so the Govt is acting like henchman of Posco by slapping false cases and arresting a leader of the popular struggle. CPI(ML) has demanded immediate and unconditional release of Abhaya Sahoo.

 

Movement against Anti-workers' Policies in Assam

 

In Assam, attacks on workers have been on the rise. In a fresh move, Govt of Assam recently passed an order stating to transfer pending cases under Labour Courts and Industrial Tribunals to the respective Session Judges concerned, with immediate effect and subsequently Guwahati High Court passed an order instructing to transfer pending cases to the Sessions Court. It is nothing sort of a conspiracy to abolish 13 different courts such as Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals, Family courts, Motor Accident Claim Courts, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Courts etc.

 

A workers convention jointly organized by AICCTU and Struggling Workers Centre in Guwahati on 27th November, discussed the issue and decided to launch movement to resist this anti-workers policy. A presidium comprising of AICCTU state president Com. Biren Kalita, State President of Struggling workers' Centre Com. Tapas Das and APBE (Assam branch of AIBEA) leader Com. Dilip Sarma conducted the convention and representatives of nearly 20 trade union organizations, including central trade unions AITUC and UTUC, condemned this anti-working class move.

 

Com. Subhas Sen pointed out different conspiratorial move of Assam Govt against the workers and called upon the working class of Assam to build a movement against this. The convention resolved to start a movement and formed a convening body to resist this anti-worker, anti-people move.

 

Edited, published and printed by S. Bhattacharya for CPI(ML) Liberation from U-90, Shakarpur, Delhi-92; printed at Bol Publication, R-18/2, Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi-92; Phone:22521067; fax: 22442790, e-mail: mlupdate@cpiml.org, website: www.cpiml.org

ML Update 48 / 2011

ML Update

A CPI(ML) Weekly News Magazine

Vol. 14, No. 48, 22 – 28 NOVEMBER 2011

 

Unfolding Colours Of TMC Rule In Bengal

As Mamata Banerjee completes her first six months in office, the people of West Bengal now have a fairly good idea of the shape of things to come. In a systematic reversal of her poll promises, Mamata Banerjee has now launched a full-scale repressive campaign in Jangalmahal. The joint operation which she claims had been effectively 'suspended' to 'give peace a chance' has been resumed in full swing. And this is accompanied by Mamata's own version of 'Salwa Judum' complete with recruitment of 'special police officers' and a TMC-backed vigilante force in the name of 'Bhairav Vahini', a veritable TMC-style replica of the erstwhile CPI(M)-sponsored band of armed storm-troopers known notoriously as 'harmad vahini' in West Bengal.

If this looks like the standard format of Operation Greenhunt, the kind of tirade Mamata has launched against Maoists and their sympathisers, trying to whip up a veritable anti-communist witch-hunt, can only remind us of the McCarthy era in the US and Bengal's own experience of fascist repression in the 1970s. She has described the Maoists as 'mafia' and as being more dangerous than terrorists. She and her lieutenants constantly refer to the Maoists as a foreign-backed threat, implicating almost all of India's neighbours – China, Pakistan, Nepal, all included. And now she has gone to the extent of asking the people to keep tabs on whatever transpires at the Coffee House, Jadavpur University and Basanta Cabin, iconic centres of Kolkata's cultural identity and Left discourse. Even those who speak in favour of Maoists will not be spared, she has said on record.

Having come to power by riding on the support of the 'civil society' and large sections of Bengal's left-leaning cultural world, this is Mamata Banerjee's way of paying off her debt! Before elections she had promised to release all political prisoners and settle the grievances of the people of Jangalmahal. Now she has shelved even the truncated list of political prisoners recommended for release by the committee reviewing the issue, and the interlocutors entrusted with the job of facilitating negotiations with the Maoists have been left with no other option but to offer to resign. But while she refuses to release political prisoners, she personally storms the police station in her neighbourhood to get her own 'TMC boys' released.

Mamata would of course like to cover her anti-democratic campaign in the characteristic garb of TMC-style populism. But the limits of populism have also started showing. Her surprise visits to hospitals have brought no relief to the helpless people, who continue to suffer, and the conditions of the state's crumbling healthcare sector continue to deteriorate. Her silence on the issue of corruption has been as eloquent as her shrill campaign against communists. And her threat to pull out of the UPA government at the Centre over the petrol price hike has been exposed to be only sound and fury, signifying nothing. Meanwhile, her government carries out every policy of the Centre that has been snatching away the livelihood and rights of the toiling masses.

Before the elections Mamata Banerjee had shrewdly dropped her original slogan 'lal hatao' and made all kinds of pro-Left overtures to broaden her base and neutralise her old anti-Left image. The SUCI, the Maoists and many left-leaning intellectuals fell for this trap and endorsed Mamata as the change that Bengal needed. Now that Mamata has chosen to take on the Maoists, the CPI(M) sees this as vindication of its own stand and would like to egg her on. Both Maoists and the CPI(M) have little concern about the real implications of Mamata's systematic assault on democracy. Having once again demonstrated their utter political bankruptcy, Maoists would like to pretend it is business as usual by indulging in killings that would only strengthen Mamata's anti-Maoist campaign, while the CPI(M) would seek to score points by making empty "We-told-you-so" boasts.

Revolutionary communists and committed democrats must never lose sight of the larger picture. Arrests of trade union leaders, attacks on trade union meetings and offices, eviction of sharecroppers and small peasants and agricultural labourers, and factional clashes among rival TMC groups in various parts of Bengal portend a grim situation that calls for consistent vigilance and determined opposition. The CPI(ML) must take all-out initiative at this juncture to defend the people of Bengal and their democratic rights in the face of this systematic assault. All sincere and fighting forces of the Left will have to be mobilised in this battle for defending democracy and rebuilding the Left.

Bhrastachar Mitao-Loktantra Bachao Rally in Bihar

Massive Turnout in CPI(ML)'s Rally at Patna

Thousands of peasants and workers from all over Bihar poured into Patna to participate in CPI(ML)'s "Bhrastachar Mitao-Loktantra Bachao" rally (Finish Corruption-Save Democracy Rally) at the historic Gandhi Maidan on 21 November. This is the largest rally in Bihar against the Nitish-led NDA Govt. Comrade Mangat Ram Pasla, leader of CPM Punjab and Comrade Arun Ghatani, leader of CPRM Darjeeling also attended the rally as our esteemed guests. The rally observed a minutes silence in memory of the martyrs. Cultural troupe Hirawal performed revolutionary songs.

The massive assembly of Bihar's rural poor and Party activists from all districts and several towns was addressed by Comrades Dipankar Bhattacharya (General Secretary of the Party), Arun Ghatani (CPRM Darjeeling), Mangat Ram Pasla (CPM Punjab), Rajaram Singh (CPIML's CCM and General Secretary of the All India Kisan Mahasabha), Meena Tiwari (Party's CCM and General Secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association), Rameshwar Prasad (Party's CCM and President of the All India Agricultural Labourers' Association), KD Yadav (Party's CCM and Bihar State President of the AIKM), Arun Singh (member of Party's State Standing Committee), Mahbub Alam (Party's State Committee member) and Satyadeo Ram (Party's SCM and Bihar State President of AIALA). Comrade Rameshwar Prasad conducted the proceedings of the rally and public meeting. Also present on the dais were several senior-most leaders of CPI(ML), including- Comrades Swadesh Bhattacharya, Ramji Rai, DP Bakshi, Kartik Pal, Ram Jatan Sharma, Amar (all Politburo members), Dhirendra Jha (AIALA's General Secretary and Party's CCM), Brij Bihari Pandey, Kunal and Saroj Chaubey (Party CCMs). Apart from them State leaders of mass organisations were also present.

Addressing the rally, CPI(ML) General Secretary said that the massive gathering of peasants and workers in this rally from remote places of Bihar shows that  a huge force of peasants and workers is united under the red flag of CPI(ML) in its Country-wide movement against corruption and on the back of this militant force Bihar is marching ahead to play a bigger role in the Country-wide movement against corruption.

He said that the Nitish Kumar government had prepared a weak draft for Lokayukta in Bihar which would have no power to investigate the cases involving high profile personalities including top bureaucrats. The process of selection of the Lokayukta was also framed in such a way that there would be complete control of the government over it. Calling for CBI enquiries into AC-DC Bill scam, BIADA land scam and Forbesganj police firing, he said that a empowered, people's Lokayukta was needed in Bihar and not a sarkari one. He ended his speech by stating that we will beat back the feudal-communal forces in Bihar with the united strength of peasants and workers, and calling for demonstrations of agricultural labourers and peasants at every district headquarter on 15 December.

Towards its conclusion the rally passed a seven point resolution that was proposed by AISA leader Abhyuday. The rally reiterated its resolve to intensify the ongoing Country-wide struggle "Finish Corruption, Save Land, Save Democracy". The rally appealed to the peasantry, workers, women, student and youth of the Country to expose the farce of the Govts in the name of fighting corruption, uproot the policies that facilitate corporate loot and plunder of our land, forests and natural resources and to take the fight to establish people's right over people's resources to a new height. The rally condemned the NATO bombing of Libya and killing of Colonel Gaddafi and IS-led imperialist intervention in Africa. The rally also stated its heartiest support of the OWS and condemned the violence on OWS participants by the police and Obama administration. Several other resolutions calling for removal of AFSPA, urgent formation of Second States Reorganisation Commission, enactment of a strong Jan Lokpal Bill etc were also passed by the rally.

4th National Conference of AIALA at Patna

The 4th National Conference of AIALA took place at Patna on 22 November 2011, with the central slogan 'Against Hunger, Corruption, Repression; For Land, Livelihood, Social Security and Dignity!' The Conference venue was named after Comrade Ram Naresh Ram, and the streets of Patna (rechristened Baba Nagarjun Nagar on the occasion), were decorated with welcome arches and red flags.

The Conference began with the hoisting of the red flag and homage to the martyrs. Hirawal, Comrade Ramashankar Nirmohi and Babuni, and cultural activists from Karnataka presented rousing revolutionary songs. Comrade Rameshwar Prasad, National President of AIALA, gave the welcome address.

The Presidium comprised of Comrades Pawan Sharma, Krishna Adhikari, Bhagwant Singh Samaon, Phool Chand Dhewa, and others.

On the dais were Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary, CPI(ML), Arun Ghatani of Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists (CPRM), Rajaram Singh, GS, AIKM, and Meena Tiwari, GS, AIPWA. The Conference was inaugurated by Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya.

Comrade Dhirendra Jha, the outgoing GS of AIALA, presented the Conference report, which was discussed by delegates. 1388 delegates from 15 states – participated in the Conference.

The Conference discussed the issues and challenges before the task of organizing agricultural workers and resolved to intensify the movement of rural poor against corruption, land grab, and for their rights.

The Conference rejected the Draft Food Security Bill proposed by the Government as a mockery, since it is a far cry from guaranteeing food security and in fact proposes replacing rations with cash, and resolved to build a countrywide struggle of rural poor demanding universalisation of PDS and guarantee of 50 kg of food grain as well as pulses, vegetables, milk, oil and other essentials as subsidized rations. The Conference condemned the fact that the Government had yet to withdraw the infamous 'Rs.26-Rs.32' poverty line. The Government had merely said that some above this line would also be entitled to food rations. The Conference instead demanded that the vast majority of the population excluding the unquestionably rich, be included in the BPL list – with automatic inclusion of all agricultural workers, landless, sharecroppers, marginal farmers, contract and honorarium workers. The Conference demanded provision of subsidized food rations as well as all other social welfare benefits to this BPL section of people. The Conference demanded that the questionnaire for BPL census be prepared with consultation with agricultural workers' organizations and trade unions. The Conference announced a countrywide campaign with the slogan – 'Awaken the Poor: Let No Poor Be Left Out, And No Rich Find a Place in the BPL List'.

On the question of corruption in MNREGA and other rural welfare schemes, and well as inclusion of all the poor in the BPL list, the Conference announced a countrywide protest at block HQs on 15 December. In Bihar, the AIALA would gherao the block HQs on this question.

The Conference rejected the LARR (Land Acquisition) Bill proposed by the Government, terming it a document to legalise land grab. The Conference instead demanded protection of all agricultural, forest and coastal land. The Conference also demanded land reform laws to ensure the rights of sharecroppers, as well as shelter rights and 10 decimals of homestead land to each agricultural labourer.

The Conference demanded a comprehensive legislation for the welfare and rights of agricultural labourers. Noting the callousness of state and central Governments towards rural healthcare (especially the instance of the encephalitis epidemic in Uttar Pradesh and high maternal mortality all over India), the Conference demanded comprehensive rural healthcare as a priority.

Addressing the Conference, Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya said that legacy of Comrade Ram Naresh Ram would inspire the struggles of rural workers and poor even though he is no longer with us. Agricultural workers, he said, are not just struggling for their own rights; their struggle is in fact to save agriculture, save the country. He cited the instance of the Kaun Banega Crorepati winner from Bihar being declared the brand ambassador of MNREGA, saying that in doing so, the Government has unwittingly revealed the truth – that MNREGA, far from being a job guarantee, is in fact a lottery. He said that MNREGA should, in fact, provide jobs round the year, for at least 300 days a year, and the MNREGA wage should not be less than Rs 300 a day. There is merit in the argument that MNREGA be extended to agriculture, so that it can contribute to combating the agricultural crisis.

He called for land reforms, housing rights, as well as education and health rights for rural poor. He said that AIALA needs to develop continuity as an organization that works round the year to give shape to the aspirations and struggles of rural poor. The initiative of rural labour activists in the villages needs to be unleashed. Even while fighting for small issues, he said, we should be inspired by big dreams and revolutionary vision, striving to make those dreams of a bigger, stronger AIALA and more vibrant struggles for a new society and politics, a reality.

The Conference unanimously adopted the report after Comrade Dhirendra's summing up of the debates. A 175-member national council was elected with a 47-member executive, and Comrades Rameshwar Prasad and Dhirendra Jha were reelected National President and General Secretary respectively.

Peasants' Protest at Manure Godown in Darbhanga

Scores of peasants held a militant protest under the banner of the Darbhanga unit of All India Kisan Mahasabha (AIKM), against the rampant black marketeering and shortages in manure. They held an indefinite gherao of the manure godown at Darbhanga, where thousands of bags of potash and DAP manure were stored but not distributed among peasants.

The gherao was led by Shivan Yadav, district president of AIKM and CPI(ML) block secretary Abhishek Kumar. The gherao began on 15 November, intimating the local administration. The manure sellers, alarmed at the gherao, began putting pressure on the farmers, but the latter refused to leave till manure bags were distributed. They spent the night in the open in spite of the chill. By next morning news of the gherao had spread and a large number of peasants from nearby villages came to join the protest. Eventually the administration was forced to open the godown and distribute thousands of bags of manure. Peasants saved between Rs 400-Rs600 per bag as a result of this movement.

Peasants gained confidence in this struggle and have resolved to strengthen the AIKM in the district.

TN: Protests against Transport Fare Hike and Price Rise

People of TN were dealt with a rude shock by the Jayalalitha government with its announcement and overnight implementation of bus fare hike of 40 to 100 percent and rise in milk price of 30-50%. Rubbing salt to the wound, Jayalalitha also announced that there will soon be a revision in power tariff with a hike to the tune of 110%.

These hikes in the essential commodities and services have really broken the back of the toiling people of the state. Many daily wagers were in for a rude shock next day to find bus fares hiked beyond the amount they were carrying. People spontaneously blocked the roads at many places in the State against the anti-people hike. Rate of the monthly bus pass went up by 40% and the pass users were asked to pay extra charges immediately.

On the day of announcement and implementation, 18 November, more than 500 Pricol workers immediately staged a demonstration at two centres in Coimbatore, demanding withdrawal of fare hike and milk price immediately and they raised slogans against Jayalalitha Govt like 'Civic Elections are Over so the Real Face of Amma has Come Out'. AICCTU State General Secretary Com. NK Natarajan, NWC Member Com. Gurusami and State Secretary Com. N Krishnamurthi led these protests.

On the same day comrades in Namakkal led by Com. A Govindaraj, SCM of the Party, organized a demonstration. Comrades in Salem released posters. On 19th November more than 200 workers of TIDC held a demonstration and demanded immediate withdrawal of the hike and warned against any hike in power tariff. They also condemned the Jayalalitha government for arbitrarily dismissing 13,000 State Welfare employees in a stroke.

On 20th November AISA and RYA held a demonstration in Chennai in which over 150 students, youth and workers participated. Com. Bharathi, SCM of the Party and AISA State President led this protest.

Protest demonstration was held in Ambattur on 22 November with more than 100 workers participating and raising slogans against the refusal of Jayalalitha government to withdraw the hikes even after protest all over the State. They demanded the hikes should be withdrawn immediately. Com. S Sekar, SCM of the Party addressed the demonstration. Comrades in Tirunelveli also held a demonstration on 22nd November. Com. T Sankarapandian, SCM of the Party led this demonstration.

Aadvani's Rathyatra Opposed in Uttarakhand

CPI(ML) held a demonstration and meeting at Ambedkar Park in Haldwani on 18 November – the day when LK Advani's cavalcade reached Haldwani – to protest BJP's double standard on corruption and its attempt to fool the people through Advani's 'anti-corruption' road tour. Uttarakhand's ex-CM Nishank, involved in several corruption scandals, who had to resign owing to the accusations of corruption, also adorned Mr. Advani's 'anti-corruption' rath.

Addressing the protest meeting, CPI(ML)'s State incharge Comrade Raja Bahuguna said that the leader of BJP whose two CMs had to resign, in Uttarakhand the ministers during Nishank cabinet whose names have figured in corruption are still continuing, is trying the fascist of deceiving the people. Advani, whose rath yatras have history of inciting communal violence, this time is trying to ride the wave of anti-corruption anger of people of the Country. Comrade Raja said that Advani wants to fulfil his personal ambition of being a PM with the help of corporate houses.

The meeting was also addressed by peasant leader Bahadur Singh Jangi, KK Bora (State's AICCTU General Secretary), student leader Lalit Matiyali, youth leader Pankaj Tiwari among others.

Left Parties in Uttarakhand for a Broader Left-Democratic Front  against the BJP-Congress

The State leaders of the CPI(ML), CPI and the CPI(M) held a meeting at CPI(ML)'s State Office at Haldwani on 17 November. Comrade Raja Bahuguna of CPI(ML), State Secretary of CPI(M) Comrade Vijay Rawat and CPI's National Council member Comrade Samar Bhandari were present in the meeting. After the meeting the three leaders released a joint statement that said – "There cannot be an effective alternative to BJP-Congress in Uttarakhand without the Left Parties. No front that does not have the Left parties at its core will be able to sustain for long".

The statement further stated – "In the last eleven years, after the formation of the State, the BJP and Congress' main contribution has been to institutionalise corruption in the State. Most of the political streams in the State have become infected with the culture of commission and dalali (brokerage), the political culture spawned by the BJP and Congress from top to panchayat level. Therefore, the strong alternative that is required against this political culture of BJP and Congress can only come from the Left parties."

The leaders' joint statement also said that the three parties will not field their candidates against each other. They also agreed for contesting a minimum of 20 seats in the forthcoming State Assembly election. At the same time the three parties will endeavour for a broader Left-democratic unity against the BJP and Congress. The primary condition for such a unity/front will be that there cannot be any comprise with either the BJP or the Congress before or after the elections by any constituent of the Left-democratic front.

 

Edited, published and printed by S. Bhattacharya for CPI(ML) Liberation from U-90, Shakarpur, Delhi-92; printed at Bol Publication, R-18/2, Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi-92; Phone:22521067; fax: 22442790, e-mail: mlupdate@cpiml.org, website: www.cpiml.org

ML Update 47 / 2011

ML Update

A CPI(ML) Weekly News Magazine

Vol. 14, No. 47, 15 – 21 NOVEMBER 2011

No Bailouts And Back-Door Aid for Corporations!

Kingfisher Airlines is heading for a crash – and its proprietor, the super-rich beer baron Vijay Mallya, wants the Government to ensure a soft landing. As soon as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh heard of Kingfisher's troubles, he hastened to assure that the Government would 'explore ways and means to help them.'

Mallya, known for his luxurious lifestyle, flaunts his yachts, jets, private islands, villas in several countries, an IPL cricket team and a Formula One racing team. Why should a government which says it cannot afford to feed all its hungry mouths, consider bailing out a tycoon with so many assets? Why can't Mallya sell some of his other assets to keep Kingfisher in the air?

Realising that it can ill afford the political embarrassment of justifying a bailout package to Mallya, the UPA Government has shifted its stance. Mallya now claims he never asked for a bailout and Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi has said that no bailout was offered. But the facts indicate otherwise.

Kingfisher owes hundreds of crores worth in debts to airports and public sector banks and oil companies. Some months back, the banks went into a debt-restructuring agreement facilitated by the RBI, with Kingfisher's debts being turned into equity. This is nothing but a bailout by another name. Now, once again, debt-restructuring packages are being discussed. All this means that a private corporations, in lieu of paying the debts it owes to the public sector, is shifting the burden of that debt onto the shoulders of public depositors!

Meanwhile, in his speech at the opening session of the annual India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Reliance Industries CEO Mukesh Ambani expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of 'reforms' being pushed by the Government. Noting that the private corporations and the Government share the same goal, he lamented that the latter was being held back by the compulsions of 'democracy.' Other CEOs at Summit echoed this lament, saying that corruption becoming a political issue had resulted in a 'policy paralysis' on part of the Government. In particular, the CEOs asked for policy changes that would make land acquisition and environmental clearances faster.

Clearly, Ambani and other Indian corporations feel that democracy – including public protests against corruption, corporate plunder, land grab and environmental destruction – is an inconvenience. And they expect the Government and the Opposition parties to evolve a 'consensus' and speed ahead with unpopular policy changes, environmental clearances and so on, heedless of people's protests!

All along, the Governments and ruling class Oppositions have been acting in line with Ambani's recommendations. The Radia tapes revealed how both the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP cooperated to ensure huge benefits to Mukesh Ambani himself. The fact that Mallya is now unable to openly secure a bailout, and Ambani and other CEOs are worried about democracy resulting in a policy slowdown, is a tribute to the popular protests against corruption, corporate grab of land and resources, and the international climate against corporate bailouts at public costs. What the corporations are demanding is the right to plunder, untrammelled by 'democracy' – and it will take an intensification of people's resistance to prevent Governments from obliging them.

8th National Conference of AICCTU Held At Bhilai

The 8th National Conference of AICCTU was held at Bhilai from 11-13 November, 2011. Bhilai, rechristened Shankar Guha Niyogi Nagar on the occasion of the Conference, wore a festive look with streets and major centres festooned with red flags and banners. The Conference venue was named after Daras Ram Sahu, another martyr of the workers' movement of the state. Worker delegates from all over the country – from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, W Bengal, Odisha, Delhi, Tripura, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and several other states - gathered at Bhilai to attend the Conference.

The Conference was inaugurated with the hoisting of the red flag by veteran leader Comrade G Radhakrishnan, and workers and leaders of the international and national working class movement paid floral tributes to the martyrs of workers' struggles. The inaugural session of the Conference began with a welcome address by Comrade S Kumarasamy, National President of the AICCTU.

Next, the conference guests – Comrade Osiris Oviedo De La Torre, Secretariat member of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and WFTU Permanent Representative in Geneva; Comrade Dipankar Bhatacharya, General Secretary, CPI(ML); Comrades Om Prasad Wagle and Khadga Bahadur Tamang, members of the National Congress Organising Committee, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF); Comrades Ram Naresh Singh, National Executive Committee Member and Dibya Sapkota, Janakpur Zonal Committee Member, GEFONT (Nepal); Comrade Mahbubul Alam, Vice President of Bangladesh Trade Union Centre; Comrade H Mahadevan, Deputy General Secretary, AITUC; Comrade Swadesh Debroy, National Secretary, CITU; and Comrade Ashok Wankar, Central Working Committee member, TUCC were felicitated.

WFTU leader, Comrade Osiris Oviedo from Cuba, gave a rousing greeting to the Conference, on behalf of the international working class movement. She spoke about the huge revival of workers' struggles all over the world – against economic policies peddled by World Bank and IMF, wars, price rise, unemployment, insecure and ill-paid jobs, and curtailment of the democratic rights of workers. She said the WFTU is committed to building a working class resistance to capitalism and imperialism. She said that the example of her homeland- Cuba – showed how even a small country which takes the revolutionary path can put up a brave and successful resistance to US imperialist repression. She ended her speech with rousing slogans in Hindi - 'Inquilab Zindabad!' (Long Live Revolution) and 'Duniya ke mazdooron ek ho' (Workers of the World Unite).

Comrade Mahadevan, Deputy General Secretary, AITUC; Comrade Swadesh Debroy, National Secretary, CITU; Comrade Ashok Wankar, Central Working Committee member, TUCC also addressed the Inaugural Session, expressing hope for and commitment to a united working class resistance to anti-people policies in the country.

The concluding speech in the inaugural session was by CPI(ML) General Secretary, Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya. Comrade Dipankar said that internationally as well as in the country, the iron is hot, and the working class is ready to strike. He said, "Twenty years ago, when AICCTU was formed, the US was being presented as a model for India, the victory of capitalism was being proclaimed and new economic policies of privatization and liberalization and globalisation were being imposed on India. Now, the mood has changed. In the same US, as well as in Europe, Arab world, and Latin America, people are on the streets challenging globalization and capitalism. In India also, people are on the streets against the corruption and price rise that is the product of the liberalisation policies. Advani's rath yatra had resulted in huge riots twenty years ago – this time, Advani's rath has been a damp squib and has no appeal. People want real change; they want an alternative to the Congress-UPA and BJP-NDA – and only working class assertion can create a true alternative."

Comrade Dipankar said that Chhattisgarh today had become notorious for the repressive Salwa Judum, Operation Green Hunt and arrest of internationally respected doctor and human rights activist Dr. Binayak Sen. But today, the workers' movement in the state must unite with the adivasis' struggles against land grab, and human rights' movement in the state to assert that they want a Chhattisgarh of Daras Ram Sahu and Shankar Guha Niyogi – not the Chhattisgarh of state repression and workers' exploitation.

Comrade Dipankar called for the AICCTU to take up the challenge of uniting and organizing the newly emerging forces among workers – among women, contract workers, unorganized workers, workers in factories like Maruti – and inspiring the struggles of these workers with communist consciousness and direction. He also called for the need of workers to unite with struggles of peasants, women, and other people's movements.

The AIUTUC sent a solidarity message to the Conference. Solidarity messages were also received from several international groups, including PAME—All Workers' Militant Front, Greece; Secretary General of GEFONT, Com. Umesh Upadhyaya; JRU (Japan Confederation of Railway Workers' Union); GFTU—Pakistan (General Federation of Trade Unions); APFUTU (All Pakistan Federation of United Trade Unions); KASBI (Indonesia)—South Asia Solidarity Group, U. K; IWAGB (Indian Workers' Association, Great Britain) General Secretary A. S. Jouhal; Oliver New, President of RMT and Vice President of London Transport Regional Council; Ealing Trades Union Council, London—Secretary Eve Turner; ZENROREN—Japan; GUPW (General Union of Palestine Workers); SWTUF (Sudan Workers Trade Union Federation); Jatio Shromik Jote (Bangladesh); All Ceylon Trade Union Federation; and CGT, France.

The delegate session began in the evening of 11 November and continued till noon on 13 November. Conference delegates from among construction workers, transport workers, textile workers, women health and domestic workers, sanitation workers, factory workers, coal workers, rail workers, unorganized sector workers including street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and workers of many other sectors discussed the draft document: the political situation and economic policies in the country, and their impact on workers, and the way ahead to build a powerful working class resistance in the country.

Leaders from CTU Punjab, Maharashtra Rajya Sarva Shramik Mahasangh, Darjeeling Terai Dooars Chia Kaman Mazdoor Union, Darjeeling Terai Dooars Staff and Sub-staff Association participated in the discussion and addressed the delegate session.

Comrade Ram Naresh Singh, National Executive Committee Member of the Nepal trade union centre GEFONT; Comrade Khadga Bahadur Tamang, member of the National Congress Organising Committee, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) and Comrade Mahbubul Alam, Vice President of Bangladesh Trade Union Centre addressed the conference.

The Conference was also addressed by Rajaram Singh, National General Secretary of the All India Kisan Mahasabha (AIKM) and Rameshwar Prasad, National President of the All India Agricultural Workers' Association (AIALA). They spoke of the need for workers' unity with struggles of peasants resisting corporate land grab. They also spoke of the struggles of agricultural workers for housing, wages and rights.

The Conference was also addressed by Sandeep Singh, National President of All India Students' Association (AISA) and Ravi Rai, National General Secretary of AISA. They spoke of students' struggles for the right to elect student unions, and said students should unite with the struggles of workers who were fighting for their right to form unions. They described the experience of students who visited the struggles of Maruti workers recently.

Chaitali Sen and Kavita Krishnan, National Secretaries of All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) also addressed the Conference. They spoke of AIPWA's and AICCTU's experience of organizing the new contingent of thousands of women workers in ASHA, anganwadi, mid-day meal services. These women workers are severely exploited, over-worked and ill-paid by the Government which only pays them a very pitiful honorarium for their services. Women workers in other sectors are also denied equal pay and equal opportunities.

On the third and concluding day, Comrade Swapan Mukherjee summed up the discussion on the draft document. Following this, the Conference unanimously adopted the draft document after incorporating several amendments. The Conference elected a 225-member National Council, 41 national office bearers, and a 82-member Central Working Committee, and reelected Comrade S Kumarasamy as President and Comrade Swapan Mukherjee as General Secretary. The Conference also resolved to affiliate AICCTU to the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU).

Hundreds of workers from all over Chhattisgarh marched from JP Chowk, Sector 6 to Daras Ram Sahu Hall to join the mass meeting at the concluding session of the Conference on 13 November. The concluding mass meeting was addressed by CPI(ML) MLA from Jharkhand Comrade Vinod Singh – the lone MLA to make the voices of workers heard within the Jharkhand assembly. Comrade Vinod spoke of workers' struggles in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, where big private corporations were given a free hand to indulge in exploitation of natural resources as well as labour, and workers are subjected to severe repression. He called for workers to resist this corporate plunder and unite and organize to resist the exploitative conditions of work. The mass meeting was addressed by Comrade Bhimrao Bagde of the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha, who spoke of struggles of workers in the state.

The main speaker at the concluding public meeting was Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of the CPI(ML). Addressing the gathered workers of Chhattisgarh, Comrade Dipankar congratulated them for making the 8th National Conference of AICCTU a huge success. He called for the need for a resurgence of the Left in Chhattisgarh to resist the BJP Government's assaults on workers' and tribals' rights and struggle for democratic rights.

The Conference ended with enthusiastic slogans by workers hailing the successful conclusion of the Conference and calling for a powerful assertion of the working class movement in the country.

AISA's March in Lucknow University to Protest Fee Hike and Police Brutality

The fee for improvement and Bank Paper examination has been drastically hiked – from Rs.500 to Rs. 1200 – in Lucknow University. A delegation of students under AISA's leadership had met the Vice Chancellor twice demanding rollback and had also given him memorandums. But the VC declined even a review of the anti-student decisions.

Infuriated at such insensitiveness of the University administration the students led by All India Students' Association (AISA) took out a march in the campus on 8th November. The Proctor stopped the marching students and called the police. The SHO of the University Police Station threatened the students of dire consequences. However, the students continued with their protest march. Afterwards, when the students were returning after the protest the Thana incharge Janardan Singh caught hold of AISA's University Unit Convenor and a State Committee member Sudhanshu Vajpayee and started raining severe blows on him with a lathi (cane). Separately, an SFI student leader was also badly assaulted by him the same day. AISA and SFI are both involved in the anti-fee hike struggle. Both the student leaders were also arrested and slapped with fabricated charges.

The students assembled in large number next day at the University Gate to condemn the police brutality. AISA also observed 9 November as State-wide protest day. CPI(ML) and other organisations have strongly condemned the police atrocity. Apart from AISA, several other student organisations jointly held a meeting and took unanimous decision to demand rollback of fees, immediate suspension of the Thana incharge, resignation of the Proctor, and stopping entry of the police in the campus. The student organisations have said that the agitation will not cease until justice is done.

Militant March of Aanganbadi Workers at Dehradun

Aanganbadi workers (who are generally women) from all over Uttarakhand organised under the banner of Uttarakhand Aanganbadi Karmachari Union (affiliated to AICCTU) descended on State Capital Dehradun on 4 November and marched to CM's residence to demand that the Govt introduce an Act in the State Assembly to grant them the status of State Govt employee. This is one of the several demands. They declared that their agitation will not stop until they get proper salaries in place of honorariums. Carrying red flags in their hands, they also raised slogans against the State Govt.

A strongly fortified police barricade at Badkala before the CM's residence prevented their march. They began a meeting there that went on for four and a half hours. There was push and shove also with the police force as the women were firm on their intent of an audience with the CM. The City Magistrate and Tehsildar reached there to receive their memorandum, but they were not entertained. Sensing the militant mood of the agitating women the police started arresting them. All were arrested and later released at Parade Ground.

The mass meeting was addressed among others by AICCTU's State President Comrade Nishan Singh who said that rampant violation of the rights of Aanganbadi workers will not be tolerated. The Sixth Pay Commission has clearly established the pay scale at Rs. 11,000, of workers who are receiving honorariums and wages. Labour laws are being violated with impunity in the State. All parties in the State Assembly – BJP, Congress, BSP and UKD are shamefully silent on the issues of Aanganbadi workers.

Bhagwati Gosain, AICCTU's Almora dist Convenor conducted the mass meeting. The meeting was also addressed by Comrades Kailash Pandey (AICCTU's State Treasurer), Madhavi Rawat (Bageshwar dist President of Aanganbadi Union), Sharmila Vohra (Champawat), Munni Shahi (Dist. Secretary of Bageshwar), Manju Joshi, Usha Joshi, Saroj Mauni (President from Tanakpur), Bimla Joshi, Bimla Rawal, Mina Karki, Madhubala Gosain, Kavita Bhatt, Kavita Joshi, Heera Bahtt, Anita Kanyal, AIKM's State Vice President Indresh Maikhuri, AIKM's State Secretary Jagat Martoliya, Surendra Brijwal and AISA's Hemant Khati.

 

Edited, published and printed by S. Bhattacharya for CPI(ML) Liberation from U-90, Shakarpur, Delhi-92; printed at Bol Publication, R-18/2, Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi-92; Phone:22521067; fax: 22442790, e-mail: mlupdate@cpiml.org, website: www.cpiml.org