http//:peoplesmarch.googlepages.com Vol:7, No.6 & 7, June-July 2006, Rs.12

Psycho-War on Editor of People’s March

Ministry of Communication and Information An open letter to K.Srinivas Reddy, Chief Reporter, , India’s National Technology, New letter dated 12th May 2006 addressed to M/s Spectrum Softech Solutions Pvt Dear K.Srinivas Reddy, Ltd, Kochi states, It has been found that the website www.peoplesmarch.com, running on IP address The people of Andhra Pradesh have not forgotten the tactics adopted by Drama rao in the 202.146.192.161 which is under your control is 1982 elections to win over people to usurp power from Congress by uttering from rooftops hosting anti-national contents. You may be aware naxalites as Desha Bhaktulu (Patriots). In 1989 elections Chenna Reddy played the naxalite that hosting of such websites is punishable under card by promising to lift the ban on naxalites. In 1994 elections Drama rao again played the law. naxalite card by promising to lift the ban on naxalites. In 2004 elections Naidu played the negative card naxalites Vs development and Reddy played the positive card talks with While answering an unstarred question No; 3413 naxalites. In 2006 elections Mamata played the naxalite card talks with naxalites. These th in Rajya Sabha on 17 May, 2006 whether it is a traitors were compelled to think of people & naxalites only at the time of elections. After the fact that the naxalites have now become ‘hi-tech‘ elections these traitors unite & sing in one chorus naxalites as anti-nationals enact TADA, by launching their own website The Minister of POTA, unleash Grey Hounds to liquidate naxalites in real & fake encounters. These traitors State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Sri Sriprakash create & support private gangsters like Narsa Cobras, Kakatya Cobras, Singhamalai Tigers, Jaiswal stated the Central Government can also Thirumala Tigers, Green Tigers and Salwa Jhudum to kill naxalites and the people. issue instructions to Internet Service Providers for th blocking of such websites in India (which was In your report dated 17 June 2006 .Maoist website blocked by security agencies..... blocked on 15th May,2006). You have stated that our website www.peoplesmarch.com was hosted on server that is traced to Colorado, U.S. which I as Editor of People’s March is not even aware of as I am paying Rs Maoist website blocked by security agencies 8,000/= per year to M/s Spectrum Softech Solutions Pvt Ltd, Kochi every year for a 50 MB th ….. K. Srinivas Reddy The Hindu 17 June web space. Would you mind using your journalistic potency along with my eldest son 2006 Sachidanand (whom I haven’t seen for more than 22 years) planted by the Indian Intelligence Site had articles, statements of Communist as Reporter under you expose the truth by browsing http://www.indianvids.com/videos7. Party of India (Maoist); went offline a week ago htm  Hosted on server that is traced to Colorado, HotelYatri http://www.indianmoviesonline.com/cd2/index.html U.S. Sex Picnic 2 http://www.masalapornmovies.com/picnic-2/index.html  Other Maoist organisations call for support I have summed up 90% of barbaric act committed by the State. The victim has been identified, for the Indian one traced and located at Plot 7, Bank colony, RK Puram, Secundrabad. The victim’s voice is  Online edition of magazine is the mouthpiece maimed forever as she was forced to tender false evidence against her husband due to this of Indian Maoists torture & blackmail by the state which led to his conviction to life imprisonment at Hydrabad HYDERABAD: Indian security agencies have in 1985. As you happen to be the mouthpiece of Indian Intelligence it is easy for you trace the thwarted Maoist attempts to get worldwide publicity server and the persons involved in hosting the 145 MB brutal porn video on website, the for the revolutionary movement through a website. financial beneficiaries, their bank accounts to enable me to track the actual culprits [as the The site has been blocked by the web hosting victim (was) none other than the Editor’s wife] involved in this barbaric act which I am unable company on the request of the Indian Government to obtain. last week ...... 1st July 2006 Editor, People’s March

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 1 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM PEOPLE’S MARCH Contents Vol : 7, No. 6, June-July 2006, Rs. 12 Voice of the Indian Revolution

The Phillipines : 23 Killing fields of Asia

“There is need for 26 caution with the present tactics” : An Interview with the 10 Reservation Spoksperson of and Upper CPI(Maoist) on Nepal Class Backlash Development

Editorial Letter from Battle field Ideological Commemorate Martyr’s week 3 Deploying Army in the 7 Uphold the Theoritical Weapon 18 countrywide role of Police of Prolitarian Dictatorship Homage to Marty’s 5 Report Political Imperialist MNCs and their 6 Indian agents get out of India Dismantaling of PDS 14 (R)Evolution of a Child 9 - Another Imperialist decision revolutionaries Deliberate misleading Official 16 Repression and Heroic 36 estimates of Poverty Resistance in DK

People’s March Articles may be reprinted and translated in various Indian & Foreign Languages without permission, provided the source (www.peoplesmarch.com) is credited

EDITOR: P. Govindan Kutty E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mobile No. : 99472 76692 [email protected] ...... [email protected]..

Owned, Edited, Printed & Published by P. Govindan Kutty, Peroor house, Tripunithura, N.F. Ernakulam, Kerala — 682 301, Printed at Chithira Printers, 63/321, Poruvelil, Kannachanthodu Road, Kochi — 18

2 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 2 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM July 28th : Commemorate Martyr’s Week Countrywide July 28th, the day comrade Charu , etc. Besides this, thousands member from Punjab who died of illness; Majumdar was martyred is celebrated as are being incarcerated in false cases and unable to get medical treatment in time due Shahid Week (Martyr’s Week) throughout tried in fast track courts like the senior to the rigours of underground life. Active the country. A couple of weeks earlier is Politburo members Sunil Roy and Narayan for four decades he dedicated his entire life the martyrdom day of Comrade Kanai Sanyal. Similar is the situation with the for the cause of the Indian revolution. He Chatterji. In memory of both comrades who Nationality movements of Kashmir and the was one of the founding members of the paved the path of Indian revolution, July North East. Maoist movement in Punjab. He dedicated 28th has come to be known as Martyr’s Day. Can one keep silent in the face of all his entire life in the service of the oppressed It is these two comrades who brought the this terror? To keep silent in the face of masses of the country and never feared any issue of armed struggle and people’s war such brutalities amounts to consent. Let sacrifice. He will remain a great symbol of on to the political agenda of India. us all break this conspiracy of silence and revolutionary commitment, courage and Since then the Indian political scenario celebrate Martyr’s Week in memory of sacrifice for generation of revolutionaries has never been the same. Since the launch these heroic and dedicated comrades who to come. of the Naxalbari movement over 10,000 gave their lives for the oppressed people Then the UP-Uttarkhand-Uttar Bihar comrades have laid down their lives for the of our country and thereby voice our suffered a great blow when the police forces cause of the Indian revolution. Just in the dissent on what is going on in the name of brutally murdered comrade Ravi 20 months since the unity of the two main ‘democracy’. Thousands and lakhs need (Naemuddin) the Secretary of the Special streams of the Maoists and the formation to come out on this week and raise their Area Committee on the Dec.28th 2005. He of the CPI(Maoist) about 600 comrades voice in condemnation of the brutalities and too was an exemplary comrade who at a have been martyred. They comprise the best in salute to the martyred. young age shouldered such an important sons and daughters of the country, On this July 28th 2006 we particularly responsibility of the Indian revolution. examples in selflessness and dedication to remember the lives of those who were In AP the movement suffered a severe the cause of the poor. martyred in the last year. Leading amongst loss with the martyrdom of Com Mattam On this day we cannot but remember them is comrade Karam Singh, the politburo Ravi Kumar (See Box) a member of the their self-sacrificing nature and their spirit of selfless dedication to the cause of the Red Salutes to Heroic Martyr Ravi Kumar oppressed masses of the country. All these Com. Ravi Kumar (alias, Shridhar, Mahinder), who had just crossed 40 years, comrades, whether leaders, rank-and-file, hails from a middle class family of Tandur, a small town centre in Ranga Reddy sympathizers, mahilla comrades or even the district, 30 kms from Hyderabad who was brutally killed on June 9th by the notorious ordinary rural populace dreamed of a new Greyhound forces in Prakasham district. future of a genuinely free India, free from He was a State Secretariat member and a member of the state Military Commission. injustice and inequality and for a genuinely He was a gold medalist in B.Tech from Hyderabad and joined in the RSU (revolutionary democratic order. They all hated the present student union) in the early 1980s and became a professional in 1984. Then onwards, mafia raj that only benefits the rich and for the last quarter century, he took many a job and completed the tasks confidently. wealthy and serves the imperialists to loot He was an organiser, commander, writer, poet, critique, doctor, and had a good grasp our country. Can we ever forget their great on guerrilla war tactics. and heroic sacrifice? He was also a theoretician and studied deeply. He learned editing abilities from The government and its forces like martyr Parkash master, the then leading CCM. From magazine work he shifted to ferocious monsters, man-eating rakshas, Dandakaryana and stayed two years as a State Committee member and participated are massacring hundreds of revolutionaries in the 9th Congress of the erstwhile PW. Later he was shifted to AP and took charge in the name of the Salwa Juddum, Sendra, as an SCM and directly guided the Nallamala guerrilla zone. To advance the Cobra, etc. In DK even children of the age revolutionary movement in Nallamala when it is facing hardships to resist the enemy 12-14 were beheaded and their severed offensive, he made a breakthrough and for almost five years he intensified the head put on their own houses. Pregnant guerrilla war in Prakasham and Guntur districts and gave a befitting reply to the tribal women were gang-raped and their enemy offensive. stomachs then ripped open and brutally He was very much influenced by the Nepal revolution and tried to influence killed. Houses have been burned, crops others on the same lines and translated and published all the earlier documents of destroyed and the meager tribal belongings the CPN(Maoist) into Telugu. When he was editor of Kranti, the official organ of the looted. In AP the extra-judicial Cobras State Committee (between 1994 to 1998) he wrote many articles on the LTTE, torture and kill mass leaders and even chop Philippines and Peru revolutions, and other contemporary revolutionary and up their bodies while still alive. The nationality movements of the world. He was an emotional poet who wrote many a greyhounds brutally torture and kill any poem under the pseudonym, Manjira. Naxalite they apprehend. Similar is the trend Due to his martyrdom the Indian revolution has lost a young theoretician and an in the other states, where the Naxalite able proletarian leader who defended Maoism till his last breath. movement is present, like , Bihar,

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 3

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 3 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM secretariat of the AP State Committee on June 16 2006. In the past one year a number Red salute to Com. Raju, Tuna & Jayanta of Orissa of other senior comrades of AP and NT have laid down their lives, many of them District At 1.50 P.M of 18th April 2006 three comrades of the CPI (Maoist) got Committee members. Com Jagdish was one their martyrdom in the Hilang jungle of village Barakhol of Adasha such DCM from the district of Khammam Panchayat, P.S- Riamal of Deogarh District in the sudden attack of the in North Telangana. Com. Kamlakar, a Police and the Para-military Forces. They all were working under the young guerrilla fighter, was martyred on leadership of the Sambalpur-Deogarh-Sundargarh Zonal Committee. This th June 10 on the border of AP and Chhathis- team had reached in that village on that day. The team had arranged a garh (CG) during a joint combing operation Jan-Adalat basing on the complaint of the local woman where the village by the AP and CG forces. He hails from Gountia (Zamindar) was the president. The problem was solved and the Ranapur village of Karimnagar district in comrades were about to leave the spot. But the people requested them to North Telangana. He joined the Party in the take their meal and that is why all of them took a little rest beneath a tree. 1990s at the age of 16. At the time of his But as they were tired they soon fell asleep. Getting information from martyrdom he was a young guerrilla of before, armed with sophisticated weapons, the class enemy’s goons around 30. He was very influenced by the started relentless firing on them. In retaliation the comrades fired on peasant struggle of Peddapalli in the 1980s them. But the pre-prepared enemy’s bullet entered their bodies and they and a number of professionals who joined laid down their lives for the cause of the international proletariat. from his village were influenced at an early age. He joined the PLGA in 1992 and transferred to DK in 1999 as a section In Bihar and Jharkhand too a number of of the newly emerging organs of commander of a platoon. Later he grew step comrades have laid down their lives. revolutionary people’s power, and the by step and became a divisional committee Women form a significant part of the leaders and ordinary members of the member in 2005. He was a good fighter and martyrs this year. These heroic women revolutionary and democratic mass participated in many an action as a daring comrades, prove through their blood organisations. In the last one year around commander and was a model guerrilla sacrifices that they are at par with their male 250 comrades became martyrs in the fighter. comrades in all aspects of revolutionary Dandakaranya area, the majority of them live. In fact, in many instances of heroic being members and leaders of the Hail the Heroic Mahilla attacks, ambushes and raids women revolutionary mass organisations, militia comrades stood in the forefront and died and Janata Sarkars; around 200 comrades Martyrs fighting valiantly. became martyrs in the three areas of AP; On this solemn occasion the Central Com Eswaramma fits Gorky’s 34 comrades in Bihar-Jharkhand, 7 Committee of the CPI(Maoist) has given a “Mother” in Every Way. She was comrade is the 3-U area (Uttarkhand, call to the people of the country. In a press a 55 year old widow of poor Uttar Bihar, and part of UP); 2 comrades release they have said: peasant background. She in UP; 2 in and one each in We call on the entire Party, the PLGA, dedicated all her four children — Maharashtra and West Bengal. the Mass organisations, the revolutionary three daughters and one son — One of the biggest losses faced this year organs of the New Power and the entire to the Party and revolution was of com Karam Singh a politburo masses of the country to observe the without any hesitation. Later she member of our party and one of the Martyr’s Week beginning from July 28th, herself became a full timer, founders of the Maoist movement in taking a pledge that come what may we serving the Party. The AP police Punjab. Other major losses were com will resolutely march forward on the path captured her from a house in Naemuddin (Ravi), the secretary of the 3- reddened by the blood of thousands of our Mydukur town of AP and U SAC Committee and com Ravi Kumar beloved martyr comrades and that we will murdered her after brutal torture. (Shridhar) a secretariat member of the AP fight until our last breath to achieve the Comrades Konsa Santu, State Committee. While hailing the goals for which our comrades willingly Modium Sukki and Kurram Lakki sacrifices of our women martyrs special laid down their lives. We call upon you to of Dandakaranyawere leading mention should be made about comrade propagate by all possible means the activists of the revolutionary Eswaramma of AP and comrades Konsa cherished ideals of our great martyr women’s organisation of DK, the Santu, Modium Sukki and Kurram Lakki comrades, by exemplifying their lives, their KAMS. All of them were brutally of Dandakaranya……….. dedication, their resoluteness while facing murdered in a most barbaric way The CC statement culminated with a call the worst odds, their courage and above by the para-military forces and to all the oppressed and democratic people all the great sacrifices they made. Salwa goons, since they stood of the country to honour these comrades During the past one year we lost more defiantly, without surrendering to and tread on the path they laid for the than 500 of our most beloved leaders and the state. liberation of our country and a bright cadres of the party, fighters and genuinely democratic future. commanders of the PLGA, leadership lights

4 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 4 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Our Homage to the Martyrs - Rabi and tender apologies when innocent people bullets in numerous staged encounters, On 26 February 2006, a police jeep was are killed by mistake. Even when they take when they are tortured most cruelly and blown to smithereens in a landmine blast hostages, be they policemen or government driven to their end, do the wails of their that killed five policemen at Belpahari in officials, they behave well with them. They parents, brothers and sisters find any place the West Medinipur district of West even treat wounded policemen first even in the leading print media or the TV? Do Bengal. This armed action carried out by before treating their own wounds, and the state officials express any genuine the Maoist guerrillas was aimed at avenging always keep in mind Mao’s dictum “Do not regret for the sufferings caused to them? the “inhuman torture” of their suspected misbehave with the prisoners”. Very Never. Thousands of revolutionaries, sympathizers and cadres by the police. recently, the officer-in-charge of R.Udaygiri progressive people, peasants, workers and After their death, all the leading dailies, for town and superintendent of the local sub- other toiling people have fallen victims to the next few days, carried pictures of those jail who were taken hostage, were released state repression in the recent years in the who fell, the wailing relatives of the for humanitarian reasons. After their most brutal manner, but the sufferings deceased, the wreckage of the police truck release, both said their captors treated them caused to them, the trauma caused to their as also the guard of honour paid to them well and took care of their needs. The near and dear ones were seldom highlighted by the police force. How could the Maoists mother of the police officer admitted that in the press or the TV. Who would mourn be so cruel and inhuman as to torment the “The rebels are not terrorists as they are their sufferings and pay homage to those lives of the family members of the dead? perceived to be”(, 5 April who valiantly laid down their lives? The state seems busy to drive home this 2006). The most oppressive and hated of It will be pertinent to refer to a statement point. the landlords, of course, are tried in made by Karl Marx during 1848—the ‘year There is no doubt that deaths such as people’s courts and in many cases put to of revolutions’ in a somewhat similar these might be unfortunate, more particu- death. But many others were actually situation. “We may be asked, do we not larly because most of them hail from the released after warning. On the contrary, the find a tear, a sigh, a word for the victims of lower middle-class or peasant background. police and paramilitary forces treat the the people’s wrath, for the National In fact, the Indian armed forces or para- revolutionary prisoners in the most brutal Guard, the mobile guard, the republican military forces come overwhelmingly from way, seldom take them prisoners, torture guard and the line? The state will care for peasant background. But the fact is that as them, cut their limbs into pieces and their widows and orphans, decrees they become part of the state machinery— distribute the money they could lay their extolling them will be issued, their remains the main instruments of state oppression hands on even when the revolutionaries will be carried to the grave in solemn and control—they get isolated from the are alive and bleeding. In Chhathisgarh procession, the official press will declare people and act as tools for suppressing region, thousands of villagers, sympathetic them immortal, the European reaction in people’s resistance and revolutionary to the revolutionary cause, are forcibly the East and the West will pay homage to movements. “Where there is oppression evicted from their village homes and herded them. But the plebeians are tormented by there is resistance”. The people take up into concentration camps—reminiscent of hunger, abused by the press, forsaken by arms not out of their sweet will, but because the US imperialist policy in South Vietnam the physicians, called thieves, this oppressive man-eating system compels during the period of the war of national incendiaries and galley-slaves by the them to take up arms. No revolution can resistance waged by the heroic Vietnamese respectabilities; their wives and children succeed without wiping out or neutralizing people. In the name of Salwa Judum, the are plunged into still greater misery and such counter-revolutionary forces. But the state with the full backing of the central the best of those who have survived are revolutionaries of all countries know from government has been pursuing a policy of sent overseas. It is the right and privilege their own experience that as the revolution- untold persecution of people—murder, of the democratic press to place laurels ary movement progresses, as the enemies rape followed by murder, cutting of limbs, on their gloomy threatening brow” (Neue face defeat in one battlefield after another, torture. It has been a story of cruelty at its Reinische Zeitung, 29 June 1848). dissension is caused in the enemy ranks, worst that beggars description. It is the indeed the right and privilege and they turn their weapons against the Let us now get back to where we started. of the democratic press like the People’s exploiters and side with the revolutionary When the paramilitary or combat forces die, March to pay homage to the martyrs and forces. Our country will also be witness to condolence meetings are held, their place laurels on those who are the victims such developments in the days to come. pictures are shown on the TV, of state persecution, for it is on the victory However, the Maoist revolutionaries of come out with pictures of the bereaved of the armed struggle they have been India, as has been evident on a number of members of the families. But do they do the waging that the future of our country occasions, try to avoid unnecessary deaths same when revolutionaries fell to police depends. Anoop Saha from Noida, U.P. writes ...report on “Peoples war intensifies” mentions that “On March 24th 06, in a landmine blast the Maoist killing 14 traders and seriously wounding 3 in the Kanker region of Bastar.. They were said to have been returning from a Salwa Judum meeting.” I want you to please print a correction to this report. The blast had killed innocent traders belonging to Pakhanjur near Kanker. I know this, because I have family in Pakhanjur. The traders were fooled by the police to take their jeep, and the maoists thinking it to be a police jeep, blasted it. No less than commander Kosa has issued an apology. Salwa Judum is limited to Dantewada district and there is no trace of it near Kanker. I think it is a bold step to admit one’s mistake and there is no pl ace for false reporting in revolutionary press. Editor

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 5

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 5 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Imperialist MNCs and their Indian Agents get out of Bastar! - Sharda Moreover, the National Mineral struggle under the leadership of the Maoists, This was the slogan with which the Development Corporation (a central have not only vanished all institutions of Adivasi peasants of Dandkarnaya launched government undertaking), which is the main the exploitive state from their area but also a militant anti imperialist struggle as a fitting facilitator for the Japanese imperialists in this started building their own organs of peoples tribute to the memory of the three great route of looting our ore for the past four power – the Janathana Sircars - including revolutionary heroes, comrades Bhagat decades, recently concluded another military organs, with good capabilities. Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on the occasion agreement to continue to supply ore for ten Moreover through this process they not of the 75th anniversary of their martyrdom. more years – which is certain to be extended only accepted their traditional right of Defying the on going brutal campaign of until all the mines are totally depleted. This, ownership of their land and are firmly suppression, the “Sulva Judum”, thousands the speakers pointed out, happened at a time determined to defend their right. So, the rulers of Adivasi peasants held series of meetings when 112 iron industries of the small and at the state and centre were in a quandary, as in hundreds of villages all over the medium sector, located in Chattisgarh, they were not in a position to hand over DK Dandakaranya area, distributed thousands closed down as the raw material was beyond on a platter to the compradors and the of leaflets, pasted hundreds of posters and their reach – they had to pay four times the imperialist MNCs. So, the speakers explained, erected banners during the period 20th to 23th rate at which Japan is purchasing the ore. the state government, with the active backing March, paying rich revolutionary tribute to This is in essence is the patriotism of our of the centre, launched the genocidal Salva the three most beloved sons of our land, rulers, the speakers pointed out – the rulers Judum campaign, aiming to achieve their comrades Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and are feeding more and more iron ore to satiate objectives. The firstbeing to try to wipe out Sukhdev. the hunger of Japanese steal industries, the revolutionary movement led by the Speakers at these meetings dwelled at while pushing national industries out of Maoists, under which the people were length on the great patriotic zeal and staunch existence by denying than the raw material. running their own organs of power, and the anti-imperialist stand of the three great martyr The BJP government in Chattisgarh, for all other is to wipe out villages one after the heroes, particularly emphasising that the only it’s rhetoric about “Swadeshi”, did not lift other and forcefully herd the people in new true tribute the people can pay in their even a finger to rescue these Indian settlements located on highways, so that, memory is to carry forward the immortal industries, which are dying out. Moreover it the MNCs, and the comprador houses will heroes’ banner of struggle against imperialism is busy signing MoUs with big comprador have all the forest areas for their free through to the end, to wipe out once for all houses like the Tatas, the Jindals, the exploitation and will, in addition, have a vast both imperialists and their Indian agents. ESSARs, selling away all the forest and reserve of uprooted Adivasi peasants as a Focusing in particular on Bastar, the mineral wealth of Bastar forever. Thus, the cheap source of labour. As such, the speaker speakers pointed out how the imperialist speakers urged the masses, unless they pointed out the fight against Salva Judum is plunder is going on unhindered for the past stand up and fight for the retention of their in essence a fight against the imperialists and six decades and how this process is being traditional right of ownership over the land, their Indian agents. The speakers urged the accelerated under the impact of the water and mineral resources of Bastar, the Adivasi masses to act as the true inheritors globalization policies of the ruling classes. entire Koya (or Gond) race will get trampled of the anti imperialist struggle legacy of Bastar, they pointed out, with its vast out of existence. comrades Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and mineral and forest resources has for long This, the speakers emphasised, was the Shukhdev by defeating Salva Judum, thus been the happy hunting ground for the background and one of the main reasons for dealing a telling blow to the imperialists and imperialists and their Indian agents like the the launching of the genocidal ‘Salva Judam’ their Indian agents. Birlas, the Thapers etc. The Japanese campaign. Enthused by this, the Adivasi masses imperialist have been plundering iron ore from Since, the people of the Dandakaranya, responded with a firm resolve “Come what Bailadilla mines from decades on, that too during the last 25 years of the revolutionary Contd. at page 8 yet dirt cheap rates. The Indian ruling classes, forever at the service or their People Make the Polish stone and burn the effigy of George Bush imperialist masters, have even constructed a The revolutionary masses of the DK joined their brothers and sisters all over the railway line right from the mines all the way country in taking up protest actions against the visit of the genocidal Maniac, the No.1 up to Visakhapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh terrorist of the world, the president of the US, George W. Bush. Thousands of people – Kirundum – Waltair line – spending participated in a week long programme of protest all over the DK. As a part of this the thousands of crores of people’s money, people erected an effigy of Bush on the Bijapur- Gangaloor road. Knowing well the solely to benefit the Japanese imperialist. To cowardice of the police forces, the people attached some wire to the effigy. Soon a further accelerate this export of the ore at a police forced arrived on the spot to save Bush from such ignominy. But as soon as they much cheaper cost of transportation, the saw the protruding wires, all their apparent bravery vanished and none dared to approach rulers recently completed the laying of a it fearing that it may contain a pressure mine. They started pelting stones on it and pipeline upto Visakhapatnam, to carry the ore finally brought it down. Even then fear did not leave them; finally they set fire to it from through the slurry method – this project was a distance and to their surprise it burned completely within minutes, as it had nothing executed by one of India’s big comprador but grass inside it. houses, the ESSAR. 6 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 6 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Letter From the Battlefront: Deploying Army in the Role of Police (Dear Editor, I am a revolutionary, sending this letter to People’s March from the battle field somewhere in central India. This letter deals with the subject as to how the ruling classes are getting prepared by forming various new types of forces to smash the revolutionary war in our country.) A decade back the Indian Army South will be utilized as a springboard for the Army Formation of this special force is highly a Command conducted a preliminary survey operations because depending on SJ matter of pride. I hope it is only the for sending the army to the Nallamala forest Maoists can never be coped with. So it is beginning of a positive trend, which will region of Andhra Pradesh. At that time the crystal clear that Central government is be implemented in the other states HQ of the South Command said “we can planning to deploy army as solution to afterwards.” swing into action to help the state counter the revolutionary movement On the aforesaid occasion the Bihar- government at any moment.” But the particularly the upcoming revolutionary Orissa-Jharkhand sub-area commander moment did not come at all. What was the peoples committees and the peoples army S.K.Bisweswar said “This force is formed reason that the ‘said moment’ did not come? the Indian army will be deployed. And the for anti-terrorism campaigns and is a Here lies the answer. Our class struggle did Maoists bases should be targeted. completely trained and effective force. not develop to that extent nor did the The state is working out different plans Other than getting used to the incoming guerrilla war gain that kind of momentum in to repress the movement extensively in situation this force does not need any that region to demand the need of the army. Dandakaranya along with all other states. special training.” With the aim to totally wiping out the class Meanwhile putting the army jawans as the Many say Bihar Chief Minister Nitish struggle and our forces the government police force is a brain child of Nitish Kumar, Kumar is a liberalist. But that was never utilized the STF, the APSP, the CRPF and the new chief minister of Bihar. right and now too it is not correct. The the most vicious Greyhounds through the There is lack of enough police to recruitment of the army in the role of the directives of Andhra Pradesh SIB officers. combat the Naxalite problem. So, within a police is the brain child of Nitish Kumar So the enemy forces controlled the short period the chief minister planned to which, as new war tactic, is being applied movement utilising only state-level forces. build a greater number of new forces. against us. Officials of other states have And so the army was not deployed. Hence, the birth of the SAP (State Auxiliary been given the advice to implement the same From the year 2005 Dandakarnaya has Police) was shaped. All of them being retired process. Very shortly this plan will be grown to be an important centre of the army men they need not have to undergo enforced in other states too. It is the back revolutionary movement in the country. basic training course one year. Within only door policy of the ruling classes. The Indian army chief thought of sending 20-30 days 2200 army soldiers were In Dandakaranya and Jharkhand new the army to control that region. From 2003 recruited, put into some essential basic forces are being formed in new names. It to 2005 people’s war grew extensively in training and were sent to several districts we try to find out the class character of Baster and now it is getting more intensified. of Bihar. There is a plan to take 6000 more those who are working as the special police From the middle of 2005 a state onslaught army men. In exchange for Rs. 6000 a month officer (SPO) in Dandakaranya, it is seen started by the name of ‘Salwa Judum’ (SJ). this force has been recruited on the basis they are all the elite and jamindars and Along with the Special Forces under the of a 1 year contract. The time limit would be reactionaries. Their role is anti-revolution. leadership of Mahendra Karma, a Congress reviewed later on. Compared to the common They are all state leaders and workers of leader built up a Salwa Judum force with a police and special state police this force is ‘Salwa Judum’. In the name of police camps section of non tribals as leaders and a tiny more experienced and has more expertise and refugee camps, the people who are section of land lord and bad gentry of local in matters of war tactics and war strategies living in the state camps are considering tribal. With the help of this ‘Salwa Judum’ as well as it is psychologically more militant. SPOs as their adversary. The work of the force the state BJP government is attacking Within the last 2 to 2½ decades no force SPO is to vacate all the villages and force us and wants to trigger a civil war. And the has been formed and sent to the guerrilla the people of the villages to stay in the party is completely successful in resisting area by recruiting from the common police refugee camps. This force is a very ruthless this civil war from all quarters. Now It is force. Special selected forces have been and brutal force in plain clothes that seeks being planned to deploy army in that deployed, who have a training mentality to ruthlessly crush the revolutionary region. Four-five days ago 20 retired army and who are skilled in handling different movement. Already 3000 armed forces have offices who are experts in explosion have weapons. That is, forces with military skills been pressed into service and the home been recruited. and a mentality of leaving their homes and department has passed orders to recruit Besides this the administration has native places for years have been deployed 12,000 more. clearly chalked out its various plans. A against the revolutionaries. And such type Such forces are also being set up in jungle war fare school has been set up in of forces are as suitable as the SAP. Jharkhand. Like the Salwa Judum, the Kanker town to impart anti-insurgency On 5th April in a celebration for this force governmental terror is also going on in training. In a recent press meet head of the Asish Ranjan Sinha the home secretary of Jharkhand, under the name of “Sendrara”. school a Brigadier from Indian Army Bihar said “This is first time this type of Sendrara leaders and workers are originally Commented ‘Salwa Judum’ is an effort and force has been formed after independence. the members of the Association for Citizens

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 7

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 7 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Protection Organisation created by the this contractual army could be put in the Police has been appointed as the police. Now they will trigger civil war legally forefront. The NDA government also counselor by the Chhathisgarh with weapons in the village areas of decided to send the army from our country government. They have made a special Jharkhand. A directive has been passed for in the Iraq war. But the NDA government plan and had sent it to Delhi. Now Mr. the SPO to orgainse the force in the name was forced to retreat from its decision Duggal would think over it, if the plan of the village protection force. keeping in mind the forthcoming could be enforced. Counselor Gill advised One more similar type of organised parliamentary elections and the objections Centre for “more more …….more para force is being built with the extremely raised by the other parties. But a military forces” backward Paharia tribe of Jhakhand. In contractual army was sent. Many retired ii) The Home department proposed to 1779, that is two hundred twenty-six years army offices and jawans were sent. Many deploy the air force in Chhathisgarh and ago, the British Colonial India’s Collector contract soldiers died in the Iraq war and Jharkhand. The Home minister advised of Bhagalpur, Augustus Claveland, sent a their bodies remained strewn openly on the and asked to discuss more on this subject. letter to the then Indian governor Warren roads. Seeing this the American people Air force officer says it is necessary to Hastings, with a proposal to set up a Pharia raised their voices against it and only after think deeply over the political matters as battalion. But that proposal was never that the governments of the respective well as to use the air force directly against implemented as the East India Company country started announcing which soldier the Maoists. While these discussions was not prepared to spend Rs. 30,000 for was dying from which country. Then only were going on all were united in their the said battalion. But today according to it became known that such an army was opinion that the helicopters which are the plan of Arjun Munda, the home also sent from India. The ruling classes can with the BSF, can be deployed against department of this so-called independent set up any type of army according to their the Maoists in several states. What ever country, is going to put the dream of plan and also resort to which ever process it is, air strikes, air dropping, air lifting will Claveland into a reality. Arjun Mundra said, they wish for self protection. be carried on. “we had approached the Centre with a It can never be denied that this plan iii) The Centre has decided to set up nine concrete proposal to raise a Paharia and the brain child of a contract army of more battalion forces immediately. These battalion, which would not only boost the Nitish Kumar will have a very drastic impact. forces will be deployed in Andhra economy of the tribe, residing largely in There are many lakhs of such retired Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Karnataka, Santhal Parganas, but would also go a armymen and there is much possibility of a Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra long way to counter the menace of section amongst them to be with the ruling and Chhathisgarh. More forces will be put extremism in the remote corners of class in order to earn money. We have to into service in Tamilnadu and West Jharkhand where even trained police stand forth as the new mighty force by Bengal. Only a few days ago the Center personnel do not have easy access due to extemsively propagating our revolutionary decided to build up a dozen IRBs in a lack of knowledge about the difficult politics against imperialist culture and various states. Andhra Pradesh, terrain”. values. Chhathisgarh forces will be set up in the This comment of Arjun Mundra itself Hope, the revolutionaries will be name of the Adivasi battalion. Recruitment makes it evident, what he really wants. successful in exposing the plans of Nitish for this is going on. In the Kanker forest Development of the paharias or civil war Kumar in front of the people and intensify many adivasis are being trained in military amongst the tribals? America had set up the resistance movement. Along with this skills in the jungle warfare school. more or less a similar type of new contractual we have to make an appeal to the retired To supervise all these matters the PMO army in Iraq war. The people of Iraq put up jawans and their families so that they may (Prime Minister Office) has constructed a a mighty resistance which resulted in the not stand against the revolutionary war. special cell. death of many American army men and this Post Script:- We have also to prepare the masses led to the building up of grievances among As I was trying to send this letter some keeping in view the preparations made by the Americans. This is the reason for setting two-three matters more have caught my the central and state governments in the past up the contractual army so that in Iraq, the attention: 5-6 months to intensity war against us. American army could be kept behind and i) The retired DGP K.P.S Gill of the Punjab May 2006 Contd. from page 6 the policies of the NMDC, which is exporting resources, burnt a conveyer belt at Bachali may, we will certainly defeat the Salva iron ore depriving the local industries of this to a length of fifty meters. Than another Judum !”, “We will not allow Bailadilla ore ore and thus leading to their closure. They batch of this militia blasted a tower carrying to be exported to Japan !”, “It must be distributed leaflets and pasted posters about 220 KV(HT) electricity supply lines near supplied to the national industries only!”. this. There after they raided the Banse Barsoor in protest against the state and The people then gave a call to the owners of railway station on the Krundul-Waltair line, central government negligence towards the local industries “Come join hands with us in blasted a railway engine, due to the impact closer of the 110 industries. the fight against the imperialism!” of which the overhead electric traction also Finally, the entire DK area observed a Having taken this pledge they got damaged. There they removed rails to a Bundh on March 23rd as a militant anti immediately went in to action. The Koya length of 30 metres. Meanwhile the Koya imperialist protest in commemoration of the Bhumkal militia of Bailadilla, at first, Bhumakal militia, roared that they are the 75th martyrdom day of the three great anti conducted an extensive campaign against rightful owners of all lands, water and mineral imperialist patriots. n n

8 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 8 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM (R)Evolution of child revolutionaries - tender voices from Jharkhand ‘Children are the future citizens’ is the children into hot water. It was ‘R’ who told But in reality it is not. It is not so, anywhere most frequented phrase coming out of the me that the party would give us a good life. I in the world. The naked, stark reality in their mouths of politicians and philanthropists. understood what it was. So I joined’. lives makes them mature at a very early age. Children’s day is observed with artificial spirit There are instances where parents them- It is not the so called precocious ness of publicizing the long kurtha and a red rose as selves sent their children to join the party. children who perform the ability to write PG the symbol of children’s prosperity. But in ‘I was going to school when I heard of examinations at the age of ten, or do this and fact, most of the children in our country do the party. My father was in touch with them. that extraordinary things that are recorded not have a little bread to eat and a small cloth I was assisting him in catching fish when I in the books with much publicity. to wear. This has to change. This change first saw the uniformed comrades. Initially I These children are not educated through has already started. Here are some children was afraid. My uncle was working in the books. They are educated through life. So in the actual path for children’s liberation. Kranthikari Kisan Committee. My father they easily imbibe the revolutionary politics. They are born poor. They are born into wanted me to join the squad. I was already They are not pure mental beings. They are revolution. This is the ongoing history in interested in them. Thus I am in the party’. physical laborers. Once armed mentally, their the state of Jharkhand. Here is the story of a much younger boy energies develop in a diversified manner. Few feel that keeping children out of phy- whose voice is yet more childish – They start to learn singing. The cultural sical work alone is taking care of them. Deve- ‘My father died. My mother left me to organization ‘Jharkhand Abhen’ provides lopment does not take place without physical start a family with another man. My uncle them a good opportunity. In fact more than labor. But what is the actual process of deve- brought me up. I was interested in school 90 per cent of the members of the cultural lopment of children? How should it be? The but they did not send me. When I saw the organization are children below 15 – 16 years. revolutionary struggle areas of Jharkhand squad, I requested them I would join them’. After becoming full timers in the party, have successfully experimented on this. This is the story of a girl who has joined they move with the women organizers or with A generation has grown in this process. the party due to nothing but patriarchy. the squad. During meetings in the villages, The young child of 7 – 8 years of age starts ‘My father had two wives. My mother is they sing, perform play-lets and other such with just watching the armed squad that the second wife. The first wife illtreated my things. They carry out certain important tasks visits the village, with a running nose from a mother. My mother left to her father’s house too. At times they even help the higher considerable distance out of fear. Later they where I was born. I was sent to school. committees. Thus they are part and parcel of have developed as organizers, singers and Anyway life was not that easy. My mother the Party. They are part and parcel of leaders of higher committees. remarried. revolution. These are the quotes of a few child revo- When comrades came to our village I This happened in Vietnam. This lutionaries in the forests of Jharkhand. They used to take water and food to them. Once I happened in China. Now it is happening in are all from poor adivasi peasant families. took that chance and left from the back of India, in the state of Jharkhand. And ‘I looked after the cattle. I had no mother. the house and went to them. Neighbors told undoubtedly the Revolutionary Children in My elder brother used to beat me that I did my mother and she came along. But I did not India are going to achieve more and more not work properly. I had nothing at home. So listen to her. I stayed with the party’. strides in their Revolutionary practice. I thought I could learn to read and write well See another example: Yes. Children are the future citizens of a in the party. So I joined the party. I ran with a ‘My father worked as a full time activist Socialist society. friend in the village, walked for one full day in the Kranthikari Kisan Committee. He sent Lastly – and reached the squad’. me and my brother to school. I used to return Journalists coming to meet the leaders ‘I was going to school when I first knew from school at 3 in the afternoon and go to of the revolution normally criticize that of the armed squad. I used to think about get back the cattle. Whenever the squad children are robbed of their childhood and them. Once they came to our village. I went visited the village they used to encourage are forced to join the party. The above and met them. The same day I decided to me to join the revolution. When I told my instances are enough to understand what is join them’. father of my interest he said I should wait being robbed off, and what is being given to ‘I had to go to school in the neighboring until I am a little old. But I was eager. So I ran the children by the revolutionary party. village on a cycle. After a while the cycle away from home with a friend and joined the Taking children into the Party does not mean was damaged. My father did not have squad after walking for one full day’. that they do all what a grown ups do. There enough money to get it repaired. I stopped There are as many girls as boys in this is the age limit of 16 years to become eligible going to school. At this time, the armed squad process. While for boys it is the liberation for Party membership. Meanwhile the came to our village. My mother objected me from a backward society, for the girls it is children are not only looked after. They are joining the squad. But I opposed her. Now I additionally liberation from the patriarchal developed in a creative manner, perhaps in a am learning to read and write in the Party’. oppression. manner not possible elsewhere. All these children are not above twelve What can children of such a small age Anyway this is the simple answer they years of age. They are moving along with do for revolution? When children could do gave when questioned why they preferred the squad, in uniform, carrying their laborious work in hotels and dangerous the party life despite difficulties : belonging with themselves. Here are some works in industries like explosives (in Siva- ‘In the village we cannot know anything. more…. kasi), garments and other such things, they But in the party everything is taught. We ‘I used to rear cattle. Before I actually can definitely do work of opposing the same. can get a better understanding of things. saw the party people, I heard about them. It Childhood is normally understood in a We can develop ourselves and also develop was said that the party people would dip romantic, emotional and sentimental manner. the society’. n n PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 9

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 9 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Reservation and Upper Castes’ Backlash Dr. Gupta engineering streams and the centres of class-caste based society with strong culture. So long in the service sector correlation of caste and class the upper The Constitution of India had to accept reservation in a very limited way was caste person shall be endowed with a great reservation for the socio-economically prevalent for the OBCs courtesy Mandal many advantages to easily outsmart a poor unprivileged castes and tribes in India. In Commission recommendation, and now this Dalit. The special advantages are born out clauses 340, 341 and 342 of the Constitution privilege is extended to the educational of the power of the jati-varna system itself. the question of reservation was incorporat- sector by way of 93rd constitutional amend- It should be kept in mind that the ed for the SCs, STc and OBCs. Even after ment. It should be known that even if the Mandal Commission recommendations or half a century reservations have been OBC people’s percentage crosses 52% the the present decision on reservation is basi- ignored or half-heartedly accepted. Commi- reservation can not be considered beyond cally Varna and Jati based affirmative action. ssions after Commissions were set up but 50% mark. And the Supreme Court verdict Such reservations can not eliminate poverty, the net result was not impressive. In fact fixed OBC reservation at 27%. The upper nor can they ameliorate the economic even for the dalit reservation quota (except castes are afraid that if reservation is allowed condition of the poor as such, they are only for the Class IV sweeper category) are to to some extent it will make a dent into the meant to destroy the monopoly reservation quite an extent not filled up. Only when the centres of their hegemony and so they of the upper castes in services and educa- Mandal Commission Report was tabled and prefer competition limited within the upper tional fields and to bring about some a stormy wind passed throughout India in castes. The weak competitors in the socially economic change of a small section. This 1991 the question of caste-based depriva- and also economically unprivileged groups endeavour to implement the policy of the tion, the question of 27% reservation in the can never match minus reservation the reservation is a part and parcel of the demo- central government services for the OBCs socio-economically powerful upper caste cratic movement. The struggle for reserva- as well as upper caste frenzy against people enjoying the top all the socio- tion has also brought to the forefront the reservation on a wide scale brought forth cultural benefits. The upper castes have a very question of integrating class and caste the pertinent question of OBC reservation social and educational environment due to questions in Indian society. For a long time to centre stage. The current country wide centuries of elite education. Besides, they the Revisionists in India has simply debate and upper caste hideous move to have deep cultural links with those in ignored the caste question as something banish reservation policy have come up in authority who favour them for the limited of the superstructure which will automatic- the wake of the Arjun Singh announcement jobs and educational seats. From the very ally vanish in the process of economic to reserve 27% seats for the OBCs in all start there is no level playing field between development. They completely failed to educational institution under the purview the upper castes and the OBC/SC/STs even realize that this caste system is being of the central government. It should be if equal in economic levels. maintained by the ruling/exploiting classes made clear here that the Constitutional The power of the upper castes is all too for perpetuating their ruthless exploitation provisions of reservation are only a partial evident. The media coverage through a and suppression, and that this is one of acknowledgement of the wide inequalities number of visuals, hours given over mainly the vital issues of the revolutionary class based on the caste system and its anti-reservation view points and frequent struggle. The reservation debate has perennially depriving role. Yet the minimal high-light of anti-reservation stirs make a brought to the fore the question of caste, reservation of 27% in central government telling commentary on the upper casteist the need for anti-caste struggle as part of institutions has been intolerable to the bias. The news paper coverage, editorials, the class struggle. upper castes and their mentors. The letters to the editors, etc. are overwhelming- Basically the question of the prominent industrialists of the country have ly anti-reservation. It is crystal clear how reservations to the higher institutes of gone hammer and tongs against the current upper caste Brahministic mindset works so learning is an issue of the middle classes. It move. Infosys Chairman Mr. N R Narayana efficiently in the main cities and institutions is irrelevant to the poor, whether from the Murthy (he is also chairman of the to resist the very minimal move in favour of oppressed castes or the higher castes as governing body of the IIM, Ahmedabad), the OBCs. This is not surprising as the they can never even dream of such an anti reservationist sermonised “We media is packed with upper caste elite. For education due to their economic plight. So should concentrate more on primary example, amongst the 315 senior journalists all talk of economic criteria is a hoax and a education and provide students with more (English and ) of Delhi not one was cunning brahminical ploy to maintain the nutrition, books and other facilities” from the SCs and STs and 71% were from upper-caste supremacy in the institutes of [Statesman 20 May’06]. Some wise anti the Hindu upper castes. higher learning. reservationists claim “that reservation is Those who clamour for the economic The upper caste students, teachers and partly responsible for the decline in criteria, like the CPI(M), do not take into casteists of the top layer of Jati-Varna sys- efficiency among government and public account the harsh fact that a poor Dalit or tem now raise similar hue and cry that ineffi- sector staff” [ibid]. low caste and a poor Brahmin or the upper cient people of the OBCs (and obviously The main aim of the current anti- caste do not stand on the same position of the SCs and STs) would lower the reservation protest is to maintain the vis-à-vis opportunities and life chances. By educational standards, professional skills. hegemony of the upper castes in virtue of birth ascribed higher status of a They also argue that all the OBCs, STs and professionally higher posts, medical, Brahmin or an upper caste person in our even the SCs – about the last two, the voice

10 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 10 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM is not so vocal though – are not always India has had enough of such meritocracy society. They can not accept the entry of deprived too. So a rich section of the OBCs over half a century since the Transfer of Shudras and the Dalits into their well- would grab the opportunities by way of Power with upper caste administrators, preserved domain. And here lies the conflict reservation facilities. It is implied that the doctors, engineers, etc. in existing system between Brahministic Manuvad and demo- economically better placed of the OBCs will with problems galore. Corruption, nepotism, cratic outlook in a jati-varna based society be the gainers and can continue with their fraud and vulgar servility to the imperialists where the levels of economic exploitation studies in the above mentioned institutions. is the trend. However, a small num- and deprivation have close correlation with But it will make those OBC students to ber of them has shown honesty and skill in the social layers of jatis, particularly of the make inroads into the domain so long well- the respective fields. What is at issue or lowly placed jatis. Brahministic Manuvad preserved by mainly upper castes. what the upper caste elite makes uproarious wants to continue with the traditional It is notable that the upper casteists noise about is how come the other caste- division between the manual and mental seldom openly vent out their anger against class of Indian society can make a claim of labour in the name of free competition. the SCs and STs over reservation for the attaining merit. Over centuries Manuvad It is intriguing to note the studied Class IV posts. That is anyhow the reserve taught us that knowledge and power is the silence of the upper caste protestors as of the SCs. What they fear is them making preserve of the Dwija. For so long the Dwija regards the system of capitation fees to inroads into their well fortified domain. At people have been able to control the admin- enter medical, engineering and such other the time when higher education has come istration, seats of learning, land, capital and streams. Lakhs of rupees is paid to various into sharp focus following the decision on what not. Those people have preached the institutions to buy the seats and one can OBC reservation, a Parliamentary Standing most undemocratic Brahministic definition presume that the monied people of the Committee has found that the participation on knowledge and merit. And with such upper castes are the main beneficiaries of of the SCs and STs in higher education is understanding this Manuvad ordained that such advantage. Even the so-called Left “abysmally low” compared to their Sudras (the present OBCs) and Dalits are Front government does not lag behind in percentage in the population. The meant for manual labour from tilling the such seat selling. In such cases the Parliamentary Committee on Human soil, to weaving to carpentry to burning of question of ‘merit’ is simply forgotten. Last Resources Development said the enrolment corpses to carrying night soil. Reservation year in West Bengal 105 students were of the SCs in higher education ranged from does the work to break in a small way the enrolled for the MBBS degree course on 8.6% in 1990-91 to 11.3% in 2002-03 while so-called birth ascribed skills of the oppre- payment of Rs. 10 lakh per head. For this that of the STs was from 2.1% to 3.6% ssors and brings about some mobility in ‘merit’ a minimum mark of 50 percent in [Hindu, May 28’06]. profession. It can neither eradicate casteism Higher Secondary was enough and no joint Even if a microscopic percentage of the nor poverty. It is not its purpose. And here entrance examination was required. The SCs and STs make their way into higher the Brahminisitic elite section howls with upper casteist protesters who so much education, services, etc. they receive all the Manuvadi logic for fear of losing the clamour for ‘merit’ had never raised this types of obstruction and become a butt of monopoly in education or services. Merit issue. Nor have they raised the issue for joke for the inherent Brahministic mindset is not gene based and the Dwija blood alone the quota for NRIs. This is an all India of the upper caste students and colleagues. does not afford to acquire merit in education phenomenon. And the Manuvadi upper If one studies the arguments of the upper and such other fields. Examples are galore caste people only want to thwart the entry casteists people in regard to the current to dismiss such logic. An Ambedkar or a of the OBCs to their domain of ‘merit’. debate on reservations for the OBCs one Meghnath Saha or such tall personalities Economic criteria, a Ploy to Help Upper should obviously conclude that the same are not exceptions. However, we here only Castes Brahministic logic can be stretched to touch upon the merit in the professions Some people show a curious keenness dismiss reservations of the SCs and the beyond manual labour. Every profession, to concede reservation with the conditional STs. Sooner or later along with the continu- manual and non-manual demands some skill stress on skimming off the ‘creamy layer’ ing atrocities on the Dalits by the upper or knowledge. Those who are crying for from the purview of reservation. Apparently caste landlords and their goons a pressure free competition among all categories of there seems to be some logic in such tactics shall be pursued to abolish the castes for the entry into higher studies and argument which is so much inclined to reservations for the SCs and the STs. Their also services do know it pretty well that provide reservation to the economically arguments are basically against with the schooling in ordinary educational worse candidates. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau reservations per se. institutions (the rich upper castes generally in its statement on May 17, 2006 repeats Meritocracy a Myth manage to enroll their wards in special the old argument in the following words The question of OBC reservation in the institutions to build up a professionally “while the CPI(M) is for reservation, it IITs, IIMs and central universities has once sound career) the SCs, STs and OBCs in has maintained that distinct from the again stirred up a hornets’ nest with the general lose out in open competition. Their scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, Brahministic elitist class sounding the alarm much-hyped slogans like “Reservation the there is differentiation among the other on declining merits. The colonial white Menace”, “Reserva-tion for the Death of backward classes. Reservation should Britishers also expressed similar opinion on Merit”, etc. are ploys of the followers of benefit the poorer and needy sections the freedom loving colonized Indians as Manuvad masquerading as innocent among these communities.” Like the unfit to rule for efficiency in administration. democracy-loving do-gooders of our CPI(M) we also find a major section of the

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 11

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 11 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM media and elite who so long wanted to slab or the new love for the poor and needy remained undaunted, opened schools for preserve the upper caste status have now among the letters is meaningless. those socially and economically unprivileg- become votaries of reservation for the poor Topsy Turvy of Parliamentary Parties ed and for all such efforts he had to face a and needy class from among the OBCs. and Rejection of Education for Shudras Brahmin elite that employed goons to kill Many of them do covertly nurture the same Though the Constitution speaks of the him. Yet the intrepid social reformer carried opinion in regard to the SCs and STs need for reservation for the OBCs not only on his task of giving education to the OBCs, suddenly discovering class divisions in services but also in educational STs and women amidst violent opposition among them. institutions, even after 55 years justice is from the upper caste elite section. Even After much dilly dallying in order to woo denied to the OBCs. In 2005 when both the when the colonial government took small the OBCs and the upper castes inside the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the efforts to extend elementary education to BJP the party ultimately agreed to take a Constitutional Amendment Bill to ensure the children of the so-called untouchables middle path seeking inclusion of the reservations not only in government (obviously the move was in British interest economically backward among the upper institutions but also in private institutions of divide and rule), violent protests were castes, besides the OBCs, within the ambit all political parties from the BJP to the made by the dominant upper caste sections. of reservation benefits as opposed to Congress were apparently agog with Such violence was witnessed in Madras, reservation only for OBCs. [ enthusiasm in their support to the Bill to Central Provinces and Bombay Presidency. 31 May’06]. prove themselves as champions for the The UPA government later showed its We are here concentrating on the OBCs cause of the OBC students. The chameleon true colours by submitting to the upper and the question of ‘creamy layer’. It is like colour changes of all such parliamentary caste anti-reservationists. Manmohan really a foregone conclusion that for the parties became all too evident when Kalyan Singh said “The government will find a concerned elite institutions only the Singh announced 27% reservation for the viable and credible way to protect the affluent OBCs shall now grab the OBCs in the central educational institutes interests of all sections of society reservation facilities. Similarly from in order to consolidate his OBC vote-base. [Telegraph 26 May 2006]. With the huge amongst the upper castes only the The true Brahminical mindset came to the mobilization of forces by the upper caste comparatively rich sections shall be able fore in respect of those bourgeois, students, their mentors, media help the UPA to continue with studies in the central communal and pseudo-left political parties government which can not risk losing its government controlled institutions. For the either covertly opposing such reservation upper caste support base found the reserved seats in various institutions and or taking the side of the anti-reservation counselors in the CPI(M) to retreat from its services meant for the SCs and STs stir or making strange arguments that will position. The CPI(M) Bengali daily generally the more organised and econo- neither antagonize the anti-reservation wrote on 24 May 2006 that Mr. mically a little better placed among them violent protests of the upper castes Prakash Karat met the P.M on 22 May and can think of joining such institutes or students and their mentors nor will they suggested a way out of the crisis by services. Yet after so many years the SCs alienate the OBCs. Such double talk, double retaining reservation, raising the seats and and STs fail to fill up the reserved seats for role and masking their faces to woo the vast building up a consensus. Mr. Pranab the lack of enough numbers of candidates number of the OBCs are all crass hypocrisy Mukherjee became wiser by such precious from them. So if the economic criterion is of the Indian parliamentary parties. Even suggestions and announced the increase imposed the SCs and STs will be seldom the present proposals of the Congress are in the number of seats so that the 27% represented to those institutes or services. nothing but a desperate bid to garner OBC reservation for the OBCs does not reduce Similarly if economic criterion is made votes particularly with a mind to the the seats of the upper castes in the central binding on the OBC students it will amount upcoming UP elections; their patch up education institutions. According to Mr. to negating the ground reality that the formula is in order not to alienate the upper Mukherjee’s estimate to keep the institutes which have come under sharp caste votes. unreserved seats intact the government is focus now require quite sound economic Historically speaking, during British required to spend a sum of Rs. 10,000 crore condition of the candidates. To raise the rule, 150 years back, the very limited effort in total. What a cruel joke, a joke born out question of needy and poor sections of the to provide education to the OBCs and SCs of the CPI(M)’s brains and is now being OBCs for those institutes known for rich was violently opposed by the Brahminical implemented by the UPA government. upper caste centres would mean virtual elite section. It was the genuine demand of We strongly oppose this move. The rejection of the entry of the OBC students the advanced sections of the OBCs and whole amount of an estimated Rs. 10,000 to those fields. the colonial government intervened and needs to be spent for the education of the By reservation we mean democratization then immediately retreated from its move. poor masses, a big section of whom is of space and imposing the question of Then emerged on the scene the great social comprised of Dalits and the tribals. economic slabs right now would defeat the reformer of Maharashtra, Jyoti Rao Phule Caste, Reservation and the Opposing very purpose of reservation. Until and who tried to impart education to the OBCs Stands unless the well fortified areas controlled by (Shudras), SCs (Ati-Shudras) and women. Caste is clearly an Indian phenomenon. the rich upper castes get tangibly broken Phule faced stiff opposition from the It resides both in the structure and the super with the entry of the so-long deprived SCs, Brahminical community. He was even structure in the Indian socio-economic STs and OBCs any question of economic forced to leave his home. Yet Phule structure. The jati-varna system has since

12 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 12 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM many centuries back perpetually ordained reservation demand as a democratic monopoly of the upper castes in all the to keep the society sharply divided demand against the Brahminical hold over fields where mental labour or intellectual between the small sections of upper castes society, against the control of the upper faculty has been considered to be a sole to be engaged in mental labour and the vast castes on all aspects related to mental preserve of the upper castes over centuries. toilers comprising Shudras and Ati-shudras labour and also against the caste-class We also recognize the limits of the (the present day OBCs and SCs respective- domination based on the jati-varna system. reservation policy and even its negative ly) only to keep on the production process During the submission of the Madal impact — that of creating an elite within and all the menial jobs. The class aspect of Commission Report in 1991 all parliamentary the ruling classes and creating illusions pumping resources from the latter has so political parties, except a few, displayed amongst a section of the middle class of long been mediated through the jati-varna their pro-upper caste bias and fear of losing the oppressed castes that they can get system. The upper castes have always the upper caste vote bank. Upper caste justice in this system. The latter effect can controlled the means of production and violence and display of arrogance was at be negated by education and showing the despite the introduction of the capitalist its peak. And now with the announcement limits of the reservation policy. sector in India the caste-class scenario has of 27% reservation in the IIMs, AIMs, IITs, At the same time we appeal to the upper not vastly changed. And the close etc. the same upper caste frenzy has picked caste middle-class people and their children correlation between caste and class is still up proving enough about the virulent to fight Brahminical ideology and accept found in castes, particularly amongst the existence of caste in the so-called the democratization process, however vast Dalit masses in India. ‘developed’ areas in the main cities like limited this may be, to enable the vast The question of seat reservation, Delhi, Mumbai, , etc. backward masses to come forward, to stand special scholarships, and special Some people are influenced by the on an equal footing with the so-called advantages for the exploited and oppressed upper caste arguments to oppose forward castes in the fields of education, backward castes is not new. Simultaneously reservation. They argue that reservations services, etc. It is absolutely wrong to think with the anti-Brahmin movement, can not solve any problem and that that the percentage of reserved quotas will particularly in the South during the colonial reservations have so long done nothing to completely banish them from those fields period, paved the way for reservations in the Dalits and others. It is a half-way as some media or people with vested that part of India. In many parts of India understanding. No Marxist can conceive interests are vocally preaching. They must reservations for the OBCs (along with for of reservation as a solution to the myriad be made to understand that this ‘agitation’ the SCs and STs) are in vogue. In the four problems of the exploited masses. But it is is merely a ruling-class ploy to divert the South Indian states reservation for the a fact that a small section of Dalits, OBCs middle classes and enhance upper caste OBCs was legally accepted through can have some upward mobility weakening hatred. They should understand that the massive pressure from those sections even the upper caste monopoly in services and root cause for the lack of jobs and educatio- in the British period. It is worth mentioning education. This is the democratic aspect. nal facilities is not the reservation policy that the very small percentage of the upper Still others are there like the SUCI party but due to the backwardness of the very castes is violently opposed to the which condemned the move to provide 27% semi-colonial, semi-feudal system itself. reservation since they mostly control OBC reservation in central universities, The desperation of the middle-classes seen administration, judiciary, industries, land, medical colleges, IITs, and IIMs. It invokes in the upper caste protests is due to the etc. It is the perpetual fear of those upper the people to “protest against the most very limited number of seats and jobs. They castes, their parties and mentors that their reprehensible policy of education” should be made to understand that it is only traditional powers, authority and control [Proletarian Era, May 17, 2006]. by smashing the existing system and build- over wealth might be at stake. It is It is not our argument to shelve those ing a new democratic system will the motor absolutely true that the reservations can pertinent issues in the name of reservation for development and growth assure exten- not bring about any perceptible change in announced by none but a ruling-class sive educational facilities and more jobs. the socio-economic set-up. But what it can Congress leader. It is also not to be Also the oppressed castes must realize bring about is enlargement of the forgotten that it is a demand of the OBCs the limitations of reservations, which has democratic space to an extent by allowing for a long period of time and the Congress got even more limited due to the policies of the centuries old oppressed castes and leader went forward to make it an issue for liberalization and privatization. They too classes to make a dent into the centres of appeasing the OBC vote bank. The must realize that all caste biases and equal the upper castes. notorious BJP too supported the 93rd opportunities can never be got from the Marxist Leninists support this process amendment but all such parties are now existing system but by smashing it and in their fight against the domination of finding ways and means to make a so-called building a true democratic system. upper castes and classes. They launch balanced approach appeasing both the And in this process, while supporting struggles on the common basic demands upper castes and the OBCs, SCs and STs. the just demand for reservations the middle of the people, they do not hesitate to launch To conclude that we support the very class from the upper castes as also those social reform movements or to extend limited scope of reservation and demand from the oppressed castes must join hands support to such movements linked to the further reservation by extending it the to smash the existing system and build a fundamental task of breaking down the private sector too not only to uplift the SCs, genuinely democratic society in India. exploitative system itself. They support the STs and OBCs but also to destroy the n n

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 13

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 13 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Dismantling of the PDS — Another Imperialist Decision Sujan Antyodaya Anna Yojana. This will result govt. in 5 Kg less of food grain with each card The neo-liberal policy of free trade and The govt. has been changed, but the holder of PDS compared to what they are movement of agricultural produce, removal imperialist dictated economic policies have now entitled to receive per month. This of the restriction on farmers of bringing been continuing. The abject condition of simply means to cut a portion of the meagre their produce to procurement centres the poor people not only persists, it is quantity that are being distributed to the helped the multinationals and other private further deteriorating. In this ‘largest below poverty line households and traders increase their exploitation. Even the democracy of the world’ millions of people Antyodaya households i.e. 35 kg and 25 parliamentary Standing Committee on food including men, women and even children, kg a month respectively. This very govt. tabled its report on May 26th, have to state go to sleep hungry every night. This has when it came to power promised that it that MNCs and private traders “…. entered become a way of life and has been would give a human face to the imperialist the market in a big way and procured wheat continuing uninterruptedly for many sponsored economic policies. Now that has in excess of their requirement leading to decades. The poorest of the poor people turned into a pathetic joke and the UPA profiteering, hoarding and a black market”. have to take wild shrubs, weeds and tubers govt continues to follow the same policy It has further stated that “... the government to combat the pangs of hunger. In this as the NDA. This decision is in accordance may find it difficult to manage and operate wretched condition of ‘food security’ the with that policy which will further push the Public Distribution System and UPA govt took decisions to raise the price upward the number of starved and semi replenish its dwindling stocks”. Thus the and to reduce the quantity of rice and wheat starved people. successive union governments have under the PDS (Public distribution system). This is a decision to further strengthen served the MNCs well !!! And this decision As usual the ‘Left’ partners of the UPA the very process of dismantling the P.D.S. will provide more service to them. govt, a section of the Congress, DMK and This process was initiated in 2002 taking The distribution of less quantity of others opposed this decision. The AIDMK out from its purview all but the people living food grains, follows less quantity of even declared that they would not below the poverty line. Even those people, procurement and this will limit the turnover implement this decision. On January 19, 06 who are living belowthe poverty line, have of the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Mr. Sharad Power, the union agriculture not been covered entirely. The stark reality Consequently, the ability of the FCI to minister, declared that the decision to is that till to day hundreds of thousands of procure crops at a minimum support price enhance the price and cut allocation to all poorest of the poor people, inspite of their will further dwindle. The union govt. categories of beneficiaries had been “Put desperate efforts, are unable to have BPL surreptitiously following this path. In the on hold”. And further stated that “the cards. Right to food which is a fundamental last two years quantity of procurement, off decision will go through. I have to speak to right, still remains as illusive as before to take and stocks of food grains with the FCI political parties and build a consensus,” these people. This decision of increasing have been declining. Thus the decision had been postponed till the price the completion of the assembly election in and de- Year 2004 Year 2005 the states. It can well be understood that creasing (in million tonnes) (in million tonnes) the main reason of this postponement was the qua- Procurement upto Nov. 23 25.5 24.6 the impending assembly election in five ntity of Offtake, April - Sept. 20.1 18.8 states and not for their concern about the food gra- Stocks as on Oct. 1st 18.0 15.1 dreadful conditions of the millions of poor in that people. The same reason has also are distri- prompted those who opposed the decision. buted through PDS will deprive more people While 22 million tonnes of food grain Now the elections are over. Now it is a of their fundamental rights, and PDS will stock with the FCI is required to call itself time to build consensus. And that will be become irrelevant to them. It is a ploy to “food secure”, it has only 15.1 million achieved inspite of ‘left’ phrase mongering, dismantle the PDS and accommodate the tonnes of food grain. This gap is the result strong opposition, protests, etc. This mock imperialist demand at the cost of the poorest of the anti-people, pro-imperialist policy of fighting will come to an end, approving the of the poor people. the UPA govt to create provision for import. pending decision of the ministry, may ne This WTO dictated decision serves the And now it is taking place. After 6 years with some nominal amendments. interest of the five major MNCs who control India is importing 5 lakh tonnes of wheat. Implication of the decision global grain trade. These MNCs operate On January 1, wheat stocks were 62 lakh This decision clearly indicates that the through the WTO and pressurize the govts tonnes which was 20 lakh tonnes less than union govt. wanted to prune the food of backward countries to dismantle what the norm. The entry of private traders, subsidy to the tune of Rs. 4,524 crores and ever schemes are there to provide food mainly MNCs and big comprador houses impose this huge burden on the back of security. It has already exposed that the has already been ensured. And impending the most oppressed sections. The method food and agricultural policy is no longer implementation of the decision will affect of doing so has also been prescribed. That controlled by the Union Govt. rather it is FCI adversely leading to its wind up to is by reducing the quantity of wheat and the dictact of the WTO controlled by provide space for MNCs. rice distributed through the P.D.S. and MNCs that in being followed by the union 14 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 14 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM While the farmers are suffering from states that 26 percent or about 260 million of the poor. severe agrarian crisis and the poor people (193 million in rural areas and 67 million in The ruinous effect of the economic are being deprived of food security, the urban areas) of the country’s population reform programme is very much govt took this decision as a further step are still living below the poverty line. And conspicuous in the rural India. It has towards privatisation of the country’s food the number of BPL families have been devastated the agrarian economy. The front. MNCs will have better scope to increasing. The percentage of total people crises of the agrarian economy is getting exploit the country’s food sector. The living below the poverty line is 47.15 more and more acute. The peasantry cannot farmers’ demand for remunerative prices of percent in Orissa, 42.60 percent in Bihar and live on cultivation and they demand their output will be negated. Much needed 36.09 percent in Assam. UNICEF reported remunerative prices for their fruits of toil. food security for the poor people will be that one in three of the world’s malnourished This heartless decision is a step towards ignored. Consequently, the agrarian crisis children are living in India and half of Indian abolition of the minimum support price and will further accentuate leading to increase children are undernourished. One can the introduction of private trading of food in the number of farmer’s suicide deaths easily realize that the ground reality is far grains controlled by MNCs. The plight of and poor people will starve to death. more deplorable. the peasants will become more deplorable. Appalling Condition Lack of food security is continuing and The economic reform policies have already There were promises that the govts it manifests itself in the declining trend of claimed thousands of farmers’ and would provide food to every mouth and per capital calories intake per day. In 1987- peasants’ lives. In the last few years, these promises have reiterating while 88 it was just above 2,200 calories and in according to Ms. Vandana Shiva, more than number of hungry people has been 1999-2000 it came down to 2,150 per day. 40,000 formers and peasants committed increasing. This UPA govt is no exception. The food grain consumption also declined suicide. The crises is so devastating and In their “national minimum common from 476 gram per day in 1990 to 418 grams intensive that a large number of peasants/ programme” this govt too promised to per day in 2001. During the rule of the UPA farmers want to give up agriculture. Latest ensure “universal food security over time.” Govt. this trend not only persists, even NSSO data reveal that more than 40 percent Mr Manmohan Singh, the initiator of further strengthens. The recent reports of the farmers/peasants are keen on quitting imperialist dictated “economic reform indicate that due to food insecurity chronic agriculture. The rural despair has developed programme” assured that their main malnutrition, severe under nutrition to such an extent that the peasants of six objective would be to “ give a human face” starvation deaths pervades the country. villages in Sangrur, Mansa and Bhatinda to this draconian liberal policy. But those High infant mortality rate is the result of district of Punjab, the frontline agricultural were nothing but phase mongering to woo under nutrition. state, have decided to put up their villages the distressed people. The grim reality is The recent report of the Council for for sale. The heartless UPA govt. is not that the right to food or food security Social Development, Oxford, states that concerned about that. continue to remain elusive to millions of Orissa has the highest infant mortality rate A Govt. of “aam admi” ? country men and the UPA govt. remain as of 83 deaths per 1,000 births. Madhya Promises belied, “Universal food mindless as ever, though hunger causes Pradesh has 82 and Uttar Pradesh 76 per security” - remains to be a myth. The govt. havoc. 1,000 births. The worst affected are of “aam admi” continues to serve the According a report published Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. indigenous and foreign business, trading January 14, 2006, 320 million people are The IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) is 85.2 and commercial houses as well as financial going to bed without food and 10,000 among the Scheduled Tribes and 83 among speculators. So, going back on their people dying of hunger related pangs every the Scheduled Castes. The number of promises to ensure “universal food day. This has been pointed out by experts. hunger deaths are increasing among these security” the UPA govt. have decided to Further, 99 percent of adivasi families in poorest of the poor people of the society. prune the food subsides by Rs. 4,524 Jharkhand and Rajasthan have to face The reports of hunger death is coming from crores. This is almost the same amount that chronic hunger in 2005. This condition still various parts of the country everyday. The they gave up in the last year abolishing persists. Nevertheless, this govt. claims State Govts, as usual, deny the facts. The capital gain tax. The beneficiaries were that it stands for “aam admi”! who are their ferocity of hunger has been so sweeping domestic and foreign financial speculators “aam admi”? that it has killed thousands of lives in on the stock market. The UPA govt. Even the modest estimation of FAO various states. considers these speculators as “aam admi”! stated that the number of the country’s The Maharashtra State Govt. admitted And they now plan to compensate that army of hunger grew by 13 million between to the High Court that between January and amount of money squeezing millions of 95-97 and 2000-02 and this constituted July of the last year (2005) 2,814 children destitute hungry people and distressed nearly there fourth of the newly hungry had died of starvation. The vast majority farmers/peasants. throughout the world. Other estimates give of them were from tribal areas. The same Despair is a temporary phenomenon. It a more dreadful picture. Total number of situation persists in different states of the leads to socio-political unrest organized and hungry people, as it is referred to in the country. In this deplorable situation the led by the real aam admi, a formidable social Times January 04, 06, is about union govt. took the decision to slash even force. This force has begun to assert and 200 million. India’s first social development a portion of the meagre quantity that is will continue to assert more powerfully. report released in New Delhi. recently distributed through the PDS to the poorest May 20 2006

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 15

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 15 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Deliberate Misleading Official Estimates of Poverty Siddarth 2005), Ram(2004). They have questioned ment of the reference person. However, in The Planning Commission of India has the indirect method of poverty estimates the absence of proper data and also be- brought out misleading estimates claiming and argued for direct methods of poverty cause of official policy requirements aver- significant decline of about 10 per cent in estimates. age nutritional necessity remained at the poverty through indirect method by using Criteria for Official Estimates centre stage. data of the 55th Round of the National If one goes into the details of the de- Meanwhile, considering the criteria of Sample Survey Organization (NSSO). Now velopment of methodology adopted by the the Task Force 1962 of the Planning Com- on the basis of such manipulations, the official experts, one looks back to the All mission, regional estimates of poverty were Government of India confidently claims that India Labour Conference1957, when the brought out by Chatterji and Bhattacharya Millennium Development Goal (to halve issues of identifying poverty line was (1969), Bardhan (1971), Rudra (1974), and poverty from 36 per cent of 1993-94 to 18 raised. The Planning Commission of the many others. Applying all India criteria for per cent by 2015) is achievable with a so- Government of India constituted a Task poverty estimates followed by Dandekar called satisfactory growth performance of Force of the Nutrition Expert Group in 1962 and Rath and using state price indices the Indian economy. Applying the Direct with a mandate to suggest desirable mini- Rajkrishna worked out state level poverty Method for estimating poverty from the mum consumption expenditure acceptable estimates. He included public consumption same round of NSSO data for consump- at the national level. In the light of the rec- expenditure for estimation of poverty and tion and calorie intake suggests a stag- ommendation of the Nutrition Advisory introduced a concept of augmented pov- gering figure of under consumption and Committee 1958 of the All India Council of erty line. Public consumption expenditure following the norm of 2400 kcal adopted Medical Research it was decided that mini- was kept in five subheads - health and fam- by the Planning Commission for poverty mum consumption expenditure should not ily planning, water supply and sanitation, in Rural India comes out to the level of be less than Rs.100 per household with five education, jail, police and judiciary admin- about three fourth of its population. Instead persons for a month at the price of 1960-61 istration, road and social welfare. Thus, per of accepting this stark reality, official ex- to meet the calorie for minimum nutrition capita public consumption expenditure was perts have manipulated the estimates ex- and non-food requirement. In other words, included with per capita private expendi- tra ordinarily to bring down the poverty to per capita consumption expenditure should ture in the 25th round of NSS (1970-71) and the level of 26 per cent aimed at imposing not be less than Rs. 20. Rupees 25 was sug- the poverty estimate was worked out for their hypothetical arguments towards posi- gested for urban areas and Rs. 18.9 for ru- every state. This estimate also has serious tive impacts of reforms and liberalization ral areas (Gupta, Singh and Dutta, limitation, as this assumed equal access to initiatives leading towards poverty reduc- 1982:260). However, this estimate suffered public facility for all classes and thereby tion. They could hardly realize that they from limitations, as it did not explain cat- underestimated poverty. The Planning cannot conceal their data for long in the egorically the basis and difference for rural Commission constituted another Task Force age of speedy technological development and urban areas. Another study was of in 1977 to prepare a report on minimum of information. It is the character of the Dandekar and Rath (1971), which consid- needs and effective consumption demand. comprador elements who have been adopt- ered a per capita requirement of 2250 calo- This Task Force in its report worked out ing every possible alibi and pretension to rie per diem for rural and urban areas. On daily calorie requirements on the mid value create illusions and justify their bosses, as the basis of NSSO data for consumption of monthly per capita consumption expen- they are the beneficiary of the policies both expenditure, Rs.170.8 per annum or Rs. 14.2 diture. On the recommendation of the Nu- directly and indirectly. per month at 1960-61 prices for rural areas trition Expert Group 1968 considering varia- Official estimates of the Planning Com- and Rs.271.4 per annum or Rs.22.6 per tions in requirement by age, sex, specific mission reveal that poverty has declined month for urban areas was considered suf- occupation, worker and non-worker cat- to about 10 per cent between 1993-94 and ficient. In order to weed out inconsistency egory, nature of work, status of women in 1999-2000. This is even in poor and back- in the estimates of the Planning Commis- general and pregnancy, child and adult, etc., ward states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar sion consumption expenditure was raised 2400 calories for rural areas and 2100 calo- Pradesh. Many experts in the official line to Rs. 180 per annum or Rs. 15 per month ries for urban areas was fixed for poverty also do not agree among themselves (for for rural areas and Rs. 270 per annum or Rs. estimation. This was an effort to weed out example, Sen, 2001; Vaidyanathan, 2001; 22.5 per month for urban areas. Still this inconsistencies in earlier estimates. On the Kozel and Deaton, 2005). Consensus among estimate ignored the variation in calorie re- basis of the data on per capita consump- them is that the present official estimates quirement on the basis of age, sex, occupa- tion expenditure including non-food con- are not strictly comparable with earlier esti- tion, region, etc. Sukhatme (1965) estimated sumption expenditure and corresponding mates without rationalization. Sen, Kozel poverty on the basis of the recommenda- calorie intake in the 28th Round (1973-74) of and Deaton have tried to rationalize the in- tion of the Food and Agriculture Organiza- the NSS, Rs.49.09 for rural areas and direct estimates of poverty in the frame- tion of the UNO and national Advisory Rs.56.64 for urban areas were fixed for pov- work of the ruling class. On the other hand, Council but he rejected the criteria of aver- erty line expenditure (Gupta et. Al. the superiority of the direct method has age nutrition requirement later in his an- 1982:264). But this also did not include the been pointed out by Nayyar (1991), Mehta other exercise (1977) and estimated pov- weight and physical efficiency (Tiwari, and Venkatraman (2000) Patnaik (2004, erty on the basis of the minimum require- 1982:334). Needless to mention that esti- 16 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 16 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM mating poverty through the wholesale in- sumption data between the 50th and 55th rural areas. dex has the risk of over estimation and the round are not comparable. Consumption If the poverty has declined significantly, consumer index has every possibility of expenditure data based on 7 day recall there must be enough ground to substan- under estimation because of limited cover- method are 23 per cent higher than the 30 tiate the basis for its declining. There is age. Despite these limitations, the agricul- day recall method but they are less incon- hardly any disagreement that the majority ture labour consumer index with the base sistent than the data based on large sur- of the people stay in the rural areas and are year of 1960-61 price index and industrial vey of thin sample. Moreover, it has been dependant on agriculture for their liveli- labour consumer index with the base year argued and substantiated that there is no hood. The rate of change in per capita rural of 1973-74 price index, poverty estimates apparent deficiencies in data based on 30 income has declined from 3.1 per cent dur- have been worked out adjusting with infla- day recall method (Deaton and Kozel, 2005: ing one decade of pre reforms (1981-82 to tion Thus, up dated poverty line expendi- 8-9). Therefore, the 30 day recall method 1990-91) to 2.8 per cent during one decade ture is merely an adjustment of inflation with appears better and acceptable for this pur- of post reform (1991-92 to 1999-2000). Esti- the old consumption basket of 1973-74. pose. mates of the government of India reveal However, consumption expenditure data of Official Poverty Estimates that compound growth rates of area, pro- NSS are available for corresponding rounds Official estimates of the Planning Com- duction, and productivity of food grains and one finds no cogent excuse for ignor- mission indicate that poverty in India has declined. Growth rates of the production ing such data for estimating updated con- declined from 36 per cent of 1993-94 to 26.1 and productivity of non-food grains de- sumption expenditure and corresponding per cent in 1999-2000. Earlier estimates avail- clined and overall growth rates of produc- poverty estimates. Moreover, this is a head able from the Planning Commission sug- tion and productivity of major crops have count poverty based on consumption and gest that the level of poverty was 53.4 per also declined. Percentage public expendi- not income and therefore it is consumption cent in 1957-58 which came down to 49.1 ture on agriculture registered significant poverty line, which includes consumption per cent in 1963-64 but it further increased decline from 5.8 per cent in seventh five out of borrowing also. Therefore poverty to 57.9 per cent in 1967-68. This was the year plan to 5.2 per cent in eighth five year estimates are misleading. highest official estimates of poverty in In- plan and 3.96 per cent in the ninth five year There are two sources for consumption dia. The NSSO has been bringing poverty plan. The Percentage of public expenditure expenditure to calculate poverty estimates- estimates at regular intervals since 1973- on irrigation and flood control has also NSS and National Account Statistics 74. The estimates reveal that poverty at the been declining in consecutive five year (NAS). In case of NAS, consumption ex- all India level has come down from 54.9 per plans. Growth rate of industrial produc- penditure data are not collected separately, cent in 1973-74 to 36 per cent in 1993-94. tion for the period in reference has de- rather they are extracted from the data col- Poverty estimates for rural and urban India clined from 7.8 per cent to 5.7 per cent. lected for NAS, whereas, NSSO collects for the corresponding period were 56.4, 37.3 Thus, material production of the Indian consumption expenditure data separately. and 49 and 32.4 per cent respectively. Pov- economy registered a sharp decline. If one Consumption expenditure data of NAS in- erty estimates in 1999-2000 calculated by looks at the employment scenario which crease faster by 1 per cent than that of NSS the Planning Commission of the govern- is another source of income for the data, which create extra ordinary differences ment of India suggests a sharp decline in economy, growth rate of employment dur- in poverty estimates (Minhas, 1988). An- all India poverty to 26.1 per cent, in rural ing 1983 to 1993-94 was 2.4 per cent other study suggests that this difference India 27.1 per cent and in urban India 23.4 whereas during 1993-94 to 1999-2000 was increased from 5 per cent in 1957-58 to 38 per cent. However, methods adopted for only 0.67 per cent. For the organized sec- per cent in 1993-94 (Kulshreshta and Kar, the calculation of poverty in 1999-2000 are tor of agriculture growth rate was nega- 2005). Consensus prevails that consump- not comparable and remained controver- tive. Even the unorganized sector regis- tion expenditure data collected through sial. Many experts in the official line also tered merely a 0.03 per cent growth rate NSSO are more reliable than NAS data do not agree among themselves (for ex- in employment. Growth rate for Mining and (Sunderam and Tendulkar, 2001). NSS col- ample, Sen, 2001; Vaidyanathan, 2001; Kozel Quarrying for the organized and unorga- lected consumption expenditure data along and Deaton, 2005). Consensus among them nized sector remained negative. Employ- with data of employment and unemploy- is that present official estimates are not ment elasticity for agriculture, which was ment till 1993-94 (50th round), which were strictly comparable with earlier estimates 0.7 during 1983-93-94, turned to be al- discontinued in the 55th round (1999-2000). without rationalization. Sen, Kozel and most zero during 1993-94 - 1999-00. If Now any analysis for relation between con- Deaton have tried to rationalize the indi- one takes the economy as a whole, employ- sumption and employment and unemploy- rect estimates of poverty but did not come ment elasticity for the pre reform period ment needs a separate methodology. More- out of the compulsions of manipulation in was 0.52, which declined to 0.16 in the post over there has been a methodological shift favour of the ruling class, which is not sur- reform period. The Annual growth rates in data collection of consumption expendi- prising. After all, the comprador has been of employed workers have declined from ture. Conventionally data for consumption working with a mandate to create illusions 2.04 per cent to merely 0.98 per cent. have been collected based on 30 day recall to promote the interest of capital and not Growth rate of total employment was 2.7 method but in 55th round 7 day, 30 day and of the poor. Despite all the efforts, they for the pre reform period, which declined 365 day recall method was adopted on the could not hide further that 74.25 per cent of to 1.3 per cent during the post reform pe- basis of specific commodity. Therefore con- the poor population have been living in the riod. Continued at page 22 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 17

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 17 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Uphold the Theoretical Weapon Commemorating the centenary of the (This is the second in the series of articles commemorating the 50th Anniversary in the struggle against modern revisionism. The article has been taken from Peking Review…. Editor) By Lu Ming is tortuous and capitalism has been restored Lassalleans in 1874 reversed their previous It is exactly a century this year since the in the Soviet Union, the homeland of the stand of refusing to become allied with the great teacher Marx wrote in 1875 his brilliant October Revolution, because the Eisenachers and eagerly sought a merger work Critique of the Gotha Programme in Khrushchov and Brezhnev renegade clique with them in a vain attempt to save their own his tit-for-tat struggle against Lassalle’s has usurped supreme power in the Party and tottering status. opportunism. In the period of some 15 years state, this is but a brief interlude in the whole Faced with this situation, Marx and between completion of this work in 1875 and course of historical development. The world Engels who always set great store by the its first publication in 1891, there were serious is progressing, the future is bright and no solidarity and unity in the German workers’ struggles against opportunists. Applying one can change this general trend of his- movement considered that there could be an in this work the most thorough, complete and tory. (Mao Tsetung: On the Chungking Ne- alliance, but they repeatedly warned the lead- comprehensive theory of development gotiations.) More than once the practice of ers of the Eisenachers that there should be which is richest in content, that is, materialist the international communist movement in the no bargaining about principles on the ques- dialectics, Marx examined the question of the last 100 years has proved that the theories of tion of organizational unity. In a letter in imminent collapse of capitalism and the proletarian revolution and the dictatorship March 1875 to August Bebel, Engels spe- question of the future development of of the proletariat expounded in the Critique cially emphasized that there should be abso- communism, expounded the differences of the Gotha Programme are irrefutable lutely no concession to the Lassalleans in between the lower and higher stages of truths. Having gone through the Great Pro- the theoretical sphere, which is of decisive communist society and unfolded the letarian Cultural Revolution and the move- importance for the programme, and that “the splendid prospects of the higher stage of ment to criticize Lin Piao and Confucius, we first condition of union was that they should communist society. Marx emphatically have gained a deeper understanding of this cease to be sectarians, Lassalleans.” But pointed out that in the transformation from point after restudying this work in the light Liebknecht and others who were passion- capitalist society to communist society there of reality. ately seeking the merger ignored the advice must be a political transition period in which Brilliant Record of Struggle Against of Marx and Engles and went their own way. the state can be nothing but the dictatorship Opportunism They sacrificed principles and joined the of the proletariat. For a century this In the history of the international com- Lassalleans in concocting a draft proletarian programmatic work of scientific communism munist movement, the Critique of the Gotha revolution and the dictatorship of the prole- has always led and inspired the revolutionary Programme is a brilliant record of the tariat and was permeated with Lassalle’s op- struggle of the proletariat and hundreds of struggle waged by Marxism against revision- portunist viewpoints. This draft was known millions of people all over the world. ism. In the 1870s the centre of the interna- as the Gotha Programme when it was later Earth-shaking changes have taken place tional workers’ movement moved from France adopted at the congress that united the two throughout the world in the last 100 years. to Germany and the German workers’ move- groups. To express his attitude in principle Forty-two years after the Critique of Gotha ment was developing vigorously. After the towards this programme and prevent it from programme was written, the Russian prole- struggle against Lassalleanism and directly exerting a bad influence on the international tariat, under the leadership of the of the great educated and helped by Marx and Engels, workers’ movement, Marx severely criticized Lenin, won victory in the October Socialist the German proletariat at that time founded the draft programme, article by article and Revolution through an armed uprising and its independent political party – the German sentence by sentence, before the Unity Con- ushered in the new era of proletarian revolu- Social-Democratic workers’ Party or the gress and wrote Marginal Notes to the tion and the dictatorship of the proletariat in Eisenachers. Although the programme of Programme of the German workers’ Party, the world. Thirty-two years after the Octo- this party did not completely discard the in- that is, the Critique of the Gotha Programme. ber Revolution, the Chinese people, under fluence of Lassalle’s opportunism, it kept, Gotha Programme’s Essential Parts- the leadership of our great leader Chairman generally speaking; the spirit required in the Liquidating Proletarian Revolution and Mao and after protracted revolutionary war, general rules of the First International and Proletarian Dictatorship overthrew the reactionary rule of imperial- basically followed Marx’s revolutionary line. Marx pointed out that the Gotha ism, feudalism and bureaucrat-capitalism, It was therefore supported by a growing Programme was a “thoroughly objectionable founded the People’s Republic of China and number of workers. The Lassaalleans, who programme that demoralizes the Party.” Its established the dictatorship of the proletariat were opposed to the Eisenachers and had essential parts were the acceptance of the in China. Today the revolutionary struggles once been very powerful, carried out an Lassalleans’ view of realizing socialism by of the proletariat and the oppressed nations opportunist line and went all the way to meet relying on “state aid” and liquidation of pro- and people throughout the world are surg- the needs of the landlord and capitalist letarian revolution, as well as the acceptance ing forward, shaking the entire moribund capi- classes; they therefore steadily lost the sup- of the Lassalleans’ stand of founding a “free talist world and continuously winning new port of the masses and ended up in extreme state” through efforts to win universal suf- victories, Although the revolutionary road isolation. Under these circumstances the frage and liquidation of the proletarian dicta-

18 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 18 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM of Proletarian Dictatorship writing of “Critique of the Gotha Programme” torship. sion suffered by the proletariat. Such a fal- ing class to give up revolution and wait for The Gotha Programme came out soon lacy is out-and-out bourgeois stuff. After “state aid” to realize the Lassalle-type of so- after the Paris Commune revolution in 1871. Khrushchev and Brezhnev came to power, cialism. The “iron law of wages” is based on At that time Marx and Engels already had socialist ownership by the whole people in the notorious Malthusian theory of popula- summed up the experience of the Paris Com- the Soviet Union has degenerated into own- tion. With this reactionary viewpoint as the mune and put forward to the proletariat the ership by the bureaucrat-monopoly capital- basis, one can only reach the conclusion of world over the task of smashing and break- ist class. Picking up Lassalle’s long bank- abolishing all revolutions. The reason is that ing the existing state machinery of the bour- rupt fallacy, Brezhnev and his like also shout “If this theory is correct, then again I can- geoisie and establishing proletarian state that “labour is the source of wealth” and de- not abolish the law even of I abolish wage power after the Paris Commune. However, mand that the Soviet people “work, work and labour a hundred times over, because the ignoring this important experience, work again.” Their aim is nothing but to cover law then governs not only the system of wage Liebknecht and others even retreated to up the fact of capitalist restoration; and the labour but every social system.” Lassalleanism by “accepting all the essen- relations of capitalist exploitation, so as to The Gotha Programme also trumpeted so- tial Lassallean economic phrases and squeeze more profits from the workers. This called “fair distribution,” “equal right,” un- demands”and Lassalle’s nonsensical opin- straw, however, cannot save the capitalist diminished proceeds of labour” and other ions. “The Eisenachers actually became system and the Soviet revisionist renegade Lassalle’s dogmas, and repeated the theory Lassalleans,” at least according to the clique from their fate of destruction. that “distribution decides production” in programme. One “outrageous step backwards” in the bourgeois economics. Marxism holds that The Lassalleans were pseudo-socialists Gotha Programme was to impose Lassalle’s the mode of distribution is decided by the and essentially bourgeois socialists. They “iron law of wages” on the German party mode of production. Only by abolishing intended, under the pretext of reorganizing and attribute the fight against capitalism to capitalist private ownership can the capital- society, to preserve the foundations of exist- the “abolition of the wage system together ist relations of distribution be changed. The ing society and hence the society. (Engels: with the iron law of wages.” The so-called elimination of the private ownership of the Principles of communism.) This is clearly “iron law of wages” is garbage Lassalle means of production “can be attained only revealed by Lassalle’s dogmas stuffed into picked up from the bourgeois economists by the forcible overthrow of all existing so- the Gotha Programme. and all it says is that wages can only remain cial conditions. (Manifesto of the Commu- From the very beginning the programme at the lowest level of living needed by the nist Party.) Lenin stressed that the bourgeois avoided mentioning ownership of the means workers to maintain their existence and propa- state “cannot be superseded by the prole- of production and babbled about labour be- gate offspring. If wages remain higher than tarian state (the dictatorship of the prole- ing the source of all wealth. This was one of this level for a long time and the workers’ tariat) through the process of ‘withering Lassalle’s dogmas. Marx pointed out: Labour living is improved, this will stimulate popula- away,’ but, as a general rule, only through a is not the source of all wealth and nature is tion growth and supply will exceed demand violent revolution.” (The State and Revolu- just as much the source of wealth as labour. in the labour market. Consequently, wages tion) Chairman Mao has summed up this This is because the production of material will be forced to fall to the original level. That basic principle in a simple formula, “Politi- wealth not only needs human labour but also is to say, the natural law of population growth cal power grows out of the barrel of a gun.” subjects and instruments of labour. The and any revolution waged by the working (Problems of War and Strategy.) Historical popular saying that “labour creates the class cannot help improve this state of af- experience has proved that this is a truth and world” precisely takes these conditions as fairs. This kind of bourgeois theory has been the only road for the proletariat to gain lib- its prerequisite. Labour does not have su- thoroughly refuted in Marx’s Capital. The eration. From Lassalle’s “state aid” to pernatural creative power. Only in so far as a root cause of the exploitation and enslave- “peaceful transition” advocated by old and worker “from the beginning behaves to- ment of the working class, Marx pointed out, new revisionists, they all betray this prin- wards nature, and primary source of all in- is the wage-labour system based on capital- ciple. Their fallacies are nothing but spiri- struments and subjects of labour, as on ist private ownership. The working class can tual weapons for upholding the capitalist owner” can he create wealth. In capitalist extricate itself from poverty and enslavement system and opposing proletarian revolution. society, why must the workers sell their only through violent revolution and thor- Striving for a “free state,” as the Gotha labour power to the capitalists and become ough abolition of the wage-labour system. Programme called for, is the political the latter’s wage-slaves? This is precisely; Once the wage-labour system is abolished, programme of Lassalle’s opportunism. Marx- because the means of production are in the its law will naturally cease to exist. Precisely ism considers that the state is the product of hands of the capitalists and the working class as Marx pointed out: “If I abolish wage the irreconcilability of class antagonisms and has nothing but its own labour power. The labour, then naturally I abolish its laws also, the instrument by which one class oppresses programme engaged in empty talk about whether they are of ‘iron’ or sponge.” How- another. After seizing political power, the “labour,” but avoided mentioning a point of ever, the draft programme evaded mention proletariat will establish a state of the dicta- basic importance – to whom did the means of the abolition of the wage-labour system torship of the proletariat, which aims not at of production belong – and thereby covered but went round and round this so-called “iron bringing about “freedom” above classes but up the relations of exploitation and oppres- law.” This is tantamount to asking the work- suppressing the resistance of the bourgeoi- PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 19

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 19 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM sie and all other exploiting classes. Flaunt- tellectually, still stamped with the birth sistance of the bourgeoisie and all other ex- ing the banner of “free state,” Lassalle and marks of the old society from whose womb it ploiting classes, prevent capitalist restora- his followers put forward a series of such emerges.” To eliminate these birth marks of tion, eliminate classes, restrict bourgeois bourgeois democratic demands as striving the old society and move to the higher stage right and finally eliminate it after a consider- for universal suffrage. Their aim was to up- of communism needs a considerably long ably long period of time and realize commu- hold the dictatorship of the big landlord and historical period. In socialist society the nism, there must be a transition period politi- big capitalist classes. means of production have been transformed cally in which the dictatorship of the prole- Socialism Can Be Nothing but the from the private property of individuals into tariat has to be consistently uphold. Marx Revolutionary Dictatorship of the common property. To this extent bourgeois pointed out: “This Socialism is the decla- Proletariat right has disappeared. But it still exists in ration of the permanence of class revolu- In criticizing the reactionary essence of other aspects. For example, the principle of tion, the class dictatorship of the proletariat Lassalle’s “free state”, Marx also pointed to each according to his work “is still – in as the necessary transit point to the aboli- out: “Between capitalist and communist so- principle – bourgeois right.” Here, every- tion of class distinctions generally, to the ciety lies the period of the revolutionary one who contributes the same amount of abolition of all the relations of production transformation of the one into the other. social labour may get back the same amount on which they rest, to the abolition of all the There corresponds to this also a political of social products. But because individual social relations that correspond to these transition period on which the state can be labour power may be strong or weak and the relations of production, to the revolutioniz- nothing but the revolutionary dictatorship number of children one has varies, therefore ing of all the ideas that result from these of the proletariat.” This scientific conclu- the degree of well-being differs from person social relations.” (The Class Struggles in sion by Marx was an important development to person. This difference constitutes an France, 1848-1850.) of the theory of the dictatorship of the prole- inequality. At the same time, the differences The theory of the dictatorship of the pro- tariat after the publication of the Manifesto left behind from the old society between work- letariat is the quintessence of Marxism. of the Communist Party. ers and peasants, between town and coun- Throughout the historical period of social- From capitalist to communist society try and between mental and manual labour ism, upholding or opposing the proletarian there must be a period of revolutionary trans- still exist. The exploiting-class ideology and dictatorship is the touchstone for the recog- formation and this is decided by the special the old force of habit still cannot be elimi- nition of class struggle to the recognition of features and historical tasks of the proletar- nated at one swoop. During this period of the dictatorship of the proletariat. It is also ian revolution. This revolution is the most revolutionary transformation, not only the insufficient to recognize alone the overthrow deep-going and thorough revolution in hu- overthrown exploiting classes attempt a res- of bourgeois rule, the expropriation of the man history and is fundamentally different toration and the spontaneous forces of the expropriators and the necessity of the dicta- from previous revolutions. For instance, the petty bourgeoisie may engender new bour- torship of the proletariat. “The essence of bourgeois revolution involves the replace- geois elements, but as a result of the influ- Marx’s teaching on the state has been mas- ment of one private ownership by another ence and corruption by the bourgeoisie and tered only by those who understand that the and of one kind of relations of exploitation the petty bourgeois spontaneous forces, dictatorship of a single class is necessary by another, and capitalist relations of pro- degenerates and new bourgeois elements – not only for every class society in general, duction may emerge within feudal society agents of the bourgeoisie – may also emerge not only for the proletarian which has over- and develop over a long period of time. But from within the ranks of the working class thrown the bourgeoisie, but also for the en- this is not the case with the proletarian revo- and among personnel of the Party and state tire historical period which separates capi- lution, for socialist relations of production organs. Chairman Mao recently pointed out: talism from ‘classless society,’ from com- cannot possibly emerge within capitalist so- “Lenin said that ‘small production engen- munism.” (Lenin : The State and Revolu- ciety. Only after the proletariat has seized ders capitalism and the bourgeoisie continu- tion.) The Gotha Programme said nothing political power through violent revolution ously, daily, hourly, spontaneously, and on a about the dictatorship of the proletariat, but can it establish socialist ownership of the mass scale.’ They are also engendered called for striving to build a “free state” by means of production. Moreover, after the among a part of the working class and of the legal means. This fully reveals its essence of basic completion of the socialist transforma- Party membership. Both within the ranks opportunism. Inheriting Lassalle’s mantel, tion of the ownership of the means of pro- of the proletariat and among the personnel the Soviet revisionist renegade clique con- duction, it is still necessary to carry out con- of state and other organs there are people cocted the fallacy of the “state of the whole tinuously a thorough socialist revolution on who take to the bourgeois style of life.” As people.” Shouting that “the dictatorship of the economic front and particularly on the long as imperialism and social-imperialism the proletariat is no longer necessary before political and ideological fronts. Therefore, the exist in the world, the activities of domestic the withering away of the state.” This pre- seizure of political power by the proletariat is reactionaries always echo the activities of cisely proves that they are the sworn en- only the beginning of the socialist revolu- the international reactionaries to subvert the emies of the dictatorship of the proletariat. tion. dictatorship of the proletariat. All this shows In the struggle against modern revision- Socialist society is the elementary stage that in the whole period of socialism, the class ism and against opportunism in the Party, of communist society and it just “emerges struggle between the proletariat and the our great leader Chairman Mao has compre- from capitalist society; which is thus in ev- bourgeoisie is protracted, tortuous and at hensively summed up both the positive and ery respect, economically, morally and in- times very sharp. In order to smash the re- negative historical experience in the interna-

20 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 20 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM tional communist movement and developed to get this question clear. Lack of clarity on The focus of contention between the the Marxist theory of the dictatorship of the this question will lead to revisionism. This Marxist line and Lassalle’s opportunist line proletariat. Chairman Mao has profoundly should be made known to the whole nation.” in the German Party was whether to uphold analyzed the law of struggle between the two He also pointed out at the same time: “Our the proletarian revolution and the dictator- classes and between the two roads after the country at present practices a commodity ship of the proletariat or to liquidate them. basic completion of the socialist transforma- system, the wage system is unequal, too, as Our struggle against the two anti-Party tion of the ownership of the means of pro- in the eight-grade wage scale, and so forth. cliques of Liu shou-chi and Lin Piao also was duction, put forward the great theory of con- Such things have to be restricted under the waged around the question of adhering to tinuing the revolution under the dictatorship dictatorship of the proletariat. For these or opposing the Party’s basic line and con- of the proletariat and formulated the Party’s reasons of people like Lin Piao come to solidating or subverting the dictatorship of basic line in the whole historical period of power, it will be quite easy for them to rig up the proletariat. This kind of struggle will still socialism. Chairman Mao clearly pointed out: the capitalist system.” This extremely im- continue in the future. Therefore, it is a long- “Socialist society covers a considerably long portant instruction of Chairman Mao’s ex- term task to earnestly study the basic Marx- historical period, in the historical period of pounds in theory the historical tasks of the ist theories on class struggle, proletarian socialism, there are still classes, class con- dictatorship of the proletariat and profoundly revolution and the dictatorship of the prole- tradictions and class struggle, there is the analyses the social basis engendering the tariat. All opportunists are accustomed to struggle between the socialist road and the revisionist line. It is of great practical and creating confusion in theory. In his dema- capitalist road, and there is the danger of far-reaching historical significance to us in gogic pamphlets, Lassalle mixed the correct capitalist restoration. We must recognize further implementing the Party’s basic line, things he got from Marx with his own incor- the protracted and complex nature of this consolidating and strengthening the dicta- rect things so as to confuse people. Swin- struggle. We must heighten our vigilance. torship of the proletariat, persisting in the dlers like Liu Shao-Chi and Lin Piao also used We must conduct socialist education. We continued revolution under the dictatorship the same trick. Our sight is insufficient to must correctly understand and handle class of the proletariat and doing a good job in the distinguish between true and false, so we contradictions and class struggle, distin- struggle of combating and preventing revi- must have the aid of the microscope and tele- guish the contradictions between ourselves sionism. scope of Marxism. An important reason lead- and the enemy from those among the people Liu Shao-chi and Lin Piao were both ren- ing Liebknecht to commit mistakes on mat- and handle them correctly. Otherwise a so- egades who had betrayed the dictatorship ters of principle was that “he has always been cialist country like ours will turn into its of the proletariat. They denied that the con- confused theoretically” and was unable to opposite and degenerate, and a capitalist tradiction between socialism and capitalism draw a clear line of demarcation between restoration will take place. From now on we is the principal contradiction in socialist so- Marxism and Lassalle’s opportunism. This must remind ourselves of this every year, ciety; they also denied that the proletariat lesson merits our serious consideration. every month and every day so that we can must exercise all-round dictatorship over the Theory is the basis of line. “There can be no retain a rather sober understanding of this bourgeoisie in the superstructure, including strong socialist party without a revolution- problem and have a Marxist-Leninist line.” all spheres of culture, and that the dictator- ary theory.” (Lenin: Our Programme.) To The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution ship of the proletariat should impose neces- be a conscious proletarian revolutionary, one personally initiated and led by Chairman Mao sary restrictions on the remaining part of must earnestly study works by Marx, Engels, has further solved, in theory and practice, bourgeois right. Lin Piao attempted to Lenin and Stalin and by Chairman Mao, mas- the most important current topic of how to change fundamentally the Party’s basic line ter the Marxist stand, viewpoint and method, consolidate the dictatorship of the proletariat and subvert the dictatorship of the prole- and combine study with criticism and tem- and prevent capitalist restoration under the tariat and restore capitalism, and following per oneself and raise one’s political level in conditions of socialism. The movement to in the steps of Confucius, he dished up the the struggle of criticizing the bourgeoisie and criticize Lin Piao and Confucius, which is now reactionary programme of “restraining one- revisionism. Chairman Mao recently called developing in a broad, deep-going and per- self and returning to the rites.” By attacking on us to “do more reading of Marxist- severing way, is a political and ideological Chin Shih Huang, the first emperor of the Leninist works.” We must follow Chairman struggle in the superstructure in which the Chin Dynasty, he made venomous attacks Mao’s instruction, conscientiously study the proletariat triumphs over the bourgeoisie and on the dictatorship of the proletariat and principal works on the dictatorship of the socialism over capitalism. This movement clamoured for founding a “genuine social- proletariat by Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Stalin also aims at consolidating the dictatorship ist” state implementing a “benevolent policy.” and by Chairman Mao, raise our conscious- of the proletariat, preventing capitalist res- His so-called “genuine socialist” state was ness of class struggle and the two-line toration and persevering in the continued the same trash as the “free state” of the So- struggle and of continuing the revolution, revolution under the dictatorship of the pro- viet revisionist renegade clique. What Lin more consciously implement the Party’s ba- letariat. Recently, Chairman Mao again is- Piao meant in fact was that he wanted the sic line, do a good job in the movement to sued an important instruction on the ques- landlords, rich peasants, counter-revolution- criticize Lin Piao and Confucius and strive to tion of theory. Chairman Mao pointed out: aries, bad elements and Rightists and his strengthen the dictatorship of the proletariat “Why did Lenin speak of exercising dicta- gang of new bourgeois elements to come to and consolidate and develop the socialist torship over the bourgeoisie? It is essential power so that he could found a fascist Lin economic base. dynasty. n n

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 21

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 21 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Contd. from page 17 figures do not provide any basis for pov- which they require Rs.970 against the cal- There was a sharp increase in the erty reduction even later after 2000. There- culation of per capita monthly expenditure marginal workforce from 2.78 per cent to fore, data relating to poverty need a careful of the Planning Commission which is merely 11.96 per cent. The Participation rate in scrutiny. Rs.307.64 and thereby only 20.55 per cent case of the main workforce has decreased Alternative Direct Methods for Estima- rural people are below the 2400 calorie in- from 0.18 to (-) 1.11 per cent but there is tion of Poverty take norms. The second highest is rural an increase in the participation of the The NSS publishes data on distribution Maharashtra with 92 per cent people with marginal workforce from 0.61 per cent to of persons for monthly per capita expendi- per capita monthly expenditure Rs. 870 to 9.85 per cent. This indicates that casuali- ture in rupees and also distribution of per- acquire 2400 calories against official esti- sation has increased sharply. If we look at sons for calorie intake by monthly per mates of Rs.318.63. With this amount they the NSS data, growth rate per annum of capita expenditure. These data are avail- can hardly acquire more than 1760 calories labour force, workforce and of unemployed able for rural and urban areas in the Report intake. Third highest poverty stricken state persons, it is evident from data that during Nos. 471 and 454 of the 55th Round. These is rural Assam with 91 per cent people be- 1983 to 1993-94, rate of growth of workforce data do not need any expertise to under- low 2400 calories. Other states above 80 was higher than that of the labour force. stand the distribution of expenditure. In per cent rural people below 2400 calorie The rate of growth of unemployed persons order to acquire 2400 calories intake in the norms are: Orissa (80 per cent: average per was almost negative. Unlike the 1980s rural areas and 2100 calories intake in the capita monthly expenditure Rs. 475 against during 1993-94 to 1999-2000 growth rate of urban areas data suggest that persons of official estimates 323.92), West Bengal (81% work force was lower than that of labour the respective areas there is a fall in expen- with Rs. 575 against official estimates of force. The growth rate of the unemployed diture group of rupees 525-615 and 575-665 Rs.350.17), Karnataka (82% with Rs650 number of persons remained high. It was respectively. In order to get exact figures if against official estimates of Rs.309.59), of utter inconsistency of estimates that in one draws on the ogive curve to find out Gujarat (83% with Rs735 against official the situation of discouraging employment the cumulative percentage of the people estimates of Rs.318.94), A.P. (84% with and rising unemployment from (-) 1.19 to up to this level, the rural areas depict 74.5 Rs595 against official estimates of 5.26 per cent, official estimates of poverty per cent of the people below the 2400 calo- Rs.262.94), Kerala (82.5% with Rs 1105 was reporting a decline in poverty. On the ries intake. Similarly if one takes the urban against official estimates of Rs. 374.79). other hand payment of interest as a areas for per capita monthly expenditure Similarly if one takes the estimates of other percentage of national income has persons with 2100 calories intake there is a states, Bihar (77% with Rs455 against offi- increased from 0.93 to 1.72. The share of fall in the expenditure group of 575-665. cial estimates of Rs.33.07), M.P.(78.5% with profit and other outflow increased from 0.89 Drawing the ogive curve for cumulative Rs490 against official estimates of per cent to 2.18 per cent. Thus total outflow percentage it crosses 50 per cent. Rs.311.34), U.P. (61% with Rs455 against increased by more than double from 1.82 We can find that official estimates have official estimates of Rs.336.88), Rajasthan per cent to 3.90 per cent. Domestic saving badly underestimated poverty. For example (53.5% with Rs515 against official estimates and total investment in the economy if one takes even for the rural India Plan- of Rs.344.03), Punjab (58.5 % with Rs 715 declined from 21 per cent to 18.4 per cent ning Commission it has come out with 37.27 against official estimates of Rs.362.68) and and 23.4 per cent to 21 per cent respectively. per cent of poor persons for which implied Haryana (47.5% with Rs.615 against offi- These are the figures from the Ministry of calories per capita per diem comes to 1970 cial estimates of Rs.362.81). Thus, there is Finance published in the various issues of only. For the 1999-2000 estimates indirect a huge under estimation of poverty. So long the Economic Survey. estimates of the Planning Commission as calorie norms are accepted for poverty The Human Development Report brought rural poverty to 27.1 per cent with estimation one can hardly deny the ground (HDR) 2005 reveals that incremental growth Rs. 327.56 per capita monthly expenditure reality of the score. However, official esti- has negligible impact on poverty reduction. with which an individual can acquire 1890 mates have ignored the per capita monthly Moreover, poverty is concentrated in the calories per diem. According to NSS data expenditure data with regards to calorie rural areas of backward states like U.P., average expenditure for acquiring 2400 calo- norms. Bihar, M.P., etc. It may be mentioned that ries intake needs per capita monthly expen- Implications the Human Development Index with nomi- diture to the tune of Rs.565. If one goes by If this is the way to reduce poverty in nal improvement in the year 2005 (0.602) NSS data and compromise at 2200 calories order to achieve millennium development from the position of 2004 (0.595) remained intake which required per capita monthly goals, this is a matter of serious concern. at the same position, i.e., at the 127th ladder, expenditure to the tune of Rs. 455, the fig- Under estimation of poverty has definite which is worse than previous years. In 2003 ure of percentage of poverty at this ceiling implications on policies and programmes. it was at 126th and in 2001 at 124th. It is an of calories are 58 per cent. Even with a 2000 If the volume of poverty is reduced, bud- important indicator that economic reforms calories intake, which require a Rs. 380 per get allocations for poverty eradications and and economic growth could not render capita monthly expenditure the figure for rural development will have weakened logic benefit towards improving the HDI. In other poverty can not be less than 40 per cent. for state subsidies and special assistance. words, there has been negligible progress Interstate variations are alarming. As The grave danger posed by this approach in per capita income, literacy, and life ex- high as 94.5 per cent people of Tamil Nadu is that it inevitably leads to misidentifying pectancy in India in the recent years. These are with less than 2400 calories intake, for of the poor and subsequently to the adop-  22 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 22 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM The Philippines: Killing Fields of Asia James Petras, Robin Eastman-Abaya {We are reproducing this article that appeared in the April 29th issue of the EPW. The terror on the democratic movement in Philippines has been blacked out in the mainline media. People’s march seeks to put the real situation before the people. The People’s march strongly condemns the state terror of the US-Arroyo government and demands that the perpetrators be judged as international criminals. The people of India lend full support ti the people of the Philippines and stands by them solidly …… Editor} Since president Gloria Macapagal came to power in 2001 there have been 400 surrounded and attacked the meeting killing Arroyo joined the US global “War on documented extrajudicial killings. In 2004, nine peasants outright and arresting over Terrorism”, the Philippines has become the 63 were killed and in 2005, 179 were a dozen. An additional 18 “disappeared” site of an ongoing undeclared war against assassinated and another 46 disappeared and are presumed dead. The “Palo peasant and union activists, progressive and presumed dead. So far in the first two- Massacre” of the members of the San political dissidents and lawmakers, human and-a-half months of 2006 there have been Agustin Farmers Beneficiaries Cooperative rights lawyers and activists, women leaders 26 documented political assassinations. and Alang-Alang Small Farmers and a wide range of print and broadcast An analysis of the class and social Association was at first presented by the journalists. Because of the links between background of the victims of this systematic armed forces as a military encounter with the army, the regime and the death squads, state terror in 2005 demonstrates that the the New Peoples Army and a few homemade political assassinations take place in an largest sector, about 70, have been peasants weapons were planted on the victims. In atmosphere of absolute impunity. The vast and peasant leaders involved in land and this, as in all other cases, none of the majority of the attacks occur in the farm labour disputes. The military has perpetrators have been punished and there countryside and provincial towns. The invariably accused the murdered and has been no official investigation. reign of terror in the Philippines is of similar disappeared peasants of links to or Workers and labour leaders form the scope and depth as in Colombia. But unlike sympathy with the communist guerrillas or next largest group of victims of Colombia, the rampaging state terrorism Muslim separatists. The victims include assassination (at least 18), not including has not drawn sufficient attention from members of the national farmers’ the disappeared and presumed dead. international public opinion. association, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Members of a national labour federation, State Repression Pilipinas (KMP), as well as Igorot, Agta and Kilusan Mayo Uno (May First Movement), Between 2001 and 2006 hundreds of Moro indigenous minority peasant leaders Nestle’s Workers’ Union, Central killings, disappearances, death threats and involved in protecting their lands. One Azucareara de Tarlac, Negros Federation cases of torture have been documented by notorious massacre occurred in late of Sugar Workers, a leader of the the independent human rights centre, November 2005 when 47 peasants and their Department of Agrarian Reform Employee Karapatan, and the church-linked legal representatives held an open, public Association, regional college employee Ecumenical Institute for Labour Education meeting over a land dispute in Palo, Leyte union leaders and various militants in both and Research. Since Macapagal Arroyo in the Visayas. A large force of soldiers Contd. at next page  poverty eradication. All the so-called ef- antry, has been opened for MNCs and tion of targeting, monitoring, and evalua- forts of poverty eradication from the be- TNCs through contract farming and the tion criteria, which are equally narrow and ginning of land reforms, providing irriga- WTO. Blind motivations for ‘modernization’ thus, carrying the many blind spots in the tion, creating infrastructures, so-called and ‘diversification’ of agriculture without concept of deprivation into the operational green revolution and diversification of ag- proper infrastructure have resulted in poli- phase of interventions (Saith, EPW, Octo- riculture, target oriented development cies that have led to suicides of the peas- ber 22, 2005). By implication corporate gov- programmes for poor, etc., failed because ants even in the high growth regions of the ernance will have a free hand to exploit and of the inherent dishonest policies and their country. The breakdown of the institutional expand profit for capital against the inter- framework of implementations. credit system has been giving strength to ests of the poor. The comprador state lead- The ruling classes have been busy in moneylenders for extracting exorbitant ership with a subservient bureaucracy has their nefarious design of creating illusions rates of interest from the peasants. Inabil- been facilitating their imperialsist masters. and framing contradictory policies. On the ity to repay the loan because of crop fail- However, reducing the public exchequer will one hand they have been facilitating their ure and lack of effective insurance cover have another significant inherent implica- imperial masters with concession after con- has been forcing them (peasants) to com- tion also. The Comprador network of lackies, cessions in the name of reforms and nar- mit suicide, which is nothing but a series of surviving on public expenditure leakages rowing down the base resources for the cold-blooded murder. Therefore, the only will have tough competition among them, state exchequer and on the other hand they option left before the people is to get orga- which essentially aggravate continued in- formulate popular policies for employment nized and resist the systematic design of fighting to expose each other. generation and poverty eradication. Finan- exploitation and murders adopted by the There must not be an iota of doubt that cial crises are the obvious results leading ruling compradors and their imperialist mas- these compradors occupying various po- to a cut in subsidies and disinvestments. ters at various levels from local to the all- sitions from village to parliaments have Now agriculture, which has been the base India, towards rebuilding a new world, free been misleading the people in the name of of subsistence for the poor and middle peas- from exploitation and inequality. n n PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 23

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 23 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM the electrical company and bus company Five members of Anakpawis and three from private assets controlled by 15 extended employee unions were murdered in 2005. Bayan Muna have “disappeared” and are super-rich families, it is one of the most Earlier in 2005, 26 unarmed Muslim presumed dead in 2005. So far three Bayan unequal societies in the world. In stark detainees in a military prison in Manila were Muna officials have been assassinated in contrast to the rest of Asia, there has been shot protesting against their prolonged and the first 10 weeks of 2006. no economic progress in the past two arbitrary detention, lack of a trial date and Since 2003, the Philippines became the decades. The Philippines, with a population horrific prison conditions. These men were second most dangerous country for of over 85 million, has one of the highest mostly vendors and displaced peasants and journalists after Iraq because of the unemployment rates (20 per cent) and an fishermen living with their families in staggering number of reporters killed by additional 30 per cent underemployed in Manila. They were accused, but never death squads or who simply disappeared. the informal sector. Over 40 per cent of the convicted, of membership in the Abu Sayaf Most recently a radio reporter involved in households are unable to secure adequate kidnapping gang. exposing abuses at a local mine was shelter and food; these are the indigent Seven print and radio journalists and kidnapped by death squads working for the poor. The once highly regarded public writers were killed in 2005 as well as seven mine owners in late February 2006 and is educational and health systems have attorneys and judges involved in human presumed dead. sharply deteriorated due to massive rights, labour and land dispute cases. State sponsored terror today is government cuts in social spending and Among the religious community, there were reminiscent of the worst days of martial law, privatisation. The nation, whose research three targeted assassinations of clergy and under the dictator Ferdinand Marcos (1972- institutions produced the high yield seven church workers, all involved in 86). As during the Marcos years, the entire “miracle rice”, is now a net importer of rice advocacy work with the poor, peasants, countryside is virtually under military and other food staples. Malnutrition is workers and national minorities. control, sharply limiting the role of civilian widespread, according to the World Health This listing of killings in 2005 doesn’t administrators. A manual published by the Organisation. Upwards of eight million include attempted assassinations, illegal Macapagal regime, entitled ‘Knowing the Filipinos, unable to find decent work at detention and torture and unreported Enemy’ is used by the Armed Forces home, are working abroad to support their disappearances. The victims were killed by throughout the country to label legal mass families. “Better to die working in Iraq, than death squads controlled by the military with organisations and civil rights groups, like to stay home and watch your family starve” the aim of protecting the power of the large the Philippine Association of Protestant was the pitiful, but common slogan of landowners and land-grabbers, timber and Lawyers, as supporters of “terrorism”. Filipino workers clamouring for exit visas mining barons and company bosses with The military death squad campaign has to perform menial work for the US the connivance of the regime. all the earmarks of US-sponsored “low occupation army in Iraq. As many as 4,000 Another important group of victims, intensity” warfare against the civilian Filipino workers are believed to be in Iraq. which overlaps with peasants and workers population. The military “proscribes” or In the years following the overthrow of associations, are the 83 leaders and labels individuals and groups as terrorists the Marcos dictatorship (February 26, 1986) members of the popular left political party, on the basis of what it claims to be “secret by a military and church-backed revolt, the Bayan Muna (The People First) and its intelligence” in order to criminalise their subsequent elected presidents have failed “party-list” affiliates. Most were right to resist oppression and fight for self- to stem the ongoing deterioration of the systematically murdered in the provinces determination and justify their elimination. country. The new rulers like Corazon outside of Metro Manila between 2001 and The creation of these “lists” is outside of Aquino (1986-1992), and former general 2005 (67 in 2005 alone). Leaders and the process of judicial scrutiny and limits Fidel Ramos (1992-1998), simply favoured coordinators of allied party-list groups, any legal protection for the victims or their a new set of oligarchs and set the stage for such as the women’s party Gabriela and survivors. Using the black propaganda of the rise to power of a corrupt populist, the urban poor people’s party, Anakpawis a psychological warfare operation, the Joseph Estrada. His “anti-oligarch” rhetoric (Toiling Masses), have been murdered, victims and their associations are invariably brought him to the presidential palace in disappeared or wounded. Elected officials described as “terrorists”. 1998 with widespread support among the from Bayan Muna, such a Tarlac City Background poor. Estrada became an irritant to councilman, Abelardo Ladera, were shot in A de facto civilian-military alliance has Washington and the traditional oligarchy broad daylight, prompting defiant been ruling the Philippines, since with the by welcoming Venezuelan president Hugo provincial funeral marches. His killing declaration of martial law by Marcos in Chavez in 1999 and for his populist social followed the notorious 2004 massacre of 1972. In the 1960s most economists policies, such as handing out thousands hacienda union workers in Tarlac and the considered the Philippines to be the most of land titles to urban squatters. subsequent systematic elimination of economically progressive nation in south- US-designed, upper class-backed, witnesses. east Asia. With the advent of the street demonstrations supported by A breakdown of the 66 death squad liberalisation of the economy, it has become sectors of the military elite culminated in killings of members and supporters of the and remains one of the poorest and most the ouster of Estrada in January 2001. The progressive political parties in 2005 include socially polarised country in Asia, with a same forces hoisted his vice-president, 33 from the militant urban poor people’s per capita GDP of US $ 950, about half of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the presidency. party, Anakpawis, and 30 from Bayan Muna. Thailand’s. With over 50 per cent of total Macapagal is a US educated, neo-liberal

24 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 24 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM economist and favourite of the US bombing of a Manila shopping centre, Luzon where the communist New Peoples embassy. This political putsch led to the which killed 15, happened very soon after Army (NPA) has been conducting a expansion of US military basing rights and a devastating landslide burying almost campaign against the government for 40 a new military agreement, quickly signed 1,000 townspeople in a province near years over issues of land reform and by Macapagal after a two-year delay during Manila, exposed the regime’s incompetence oligarchic-imperialist control of the Estrada’s presidency. With the rise of in civil assistance. economy. With an estimated 10,000 Macapagal Arroyo, Washington has a Local journalists with sources in the fighters, the NPA is clearly viewed as a reliable client. military believe the campaign of bombings threat to US and local ruling class interests. The newly “installed” Macapagal has been carried out by the regime itself to Urban Popular Protests Arroyo quickly instituted a neo-liberal justify requests for more military “aid” from In 2004, Macapagal Arroyo narrowly programme of privatisations, drastic cuts the US. defeated her rival in the presidential for public education and public hospitals The US Connection elections in a campaign marred by violence and onerous value-added taxes, which In December 2002 the US announced a and fraud. An audiotape released in the impacted the poor and lower middle class. significant expansion of its joint US- spring of 2005 recorded the president By 2005, the Philippine total external and Philippine military training exercises. The discussing with a top election official the internal debt ballooned to over $ 100 billion first contingent of US troops landing on rigging of the election. Amid resignations and yearly debt servicing exceed 30 per cent the southern island of Mindanao engaged of members of her cabinet and calls for her of the budget. Even 8 million overseas in field operations against the Muslim resignation from the general public, she Filipino workers (including a significant separatists. In early 2003, then assistant US narrowly escaped a vote of impeachment section of the educated professionals) secretary of defence, Paul Wolfowitz called in November 2005. sending home $ 12.5 billion dollars of the Philippines the “Second Front in the Macapagal Arroyo’s disastrous neo- remittances in 2005 could not begin to cover War on Terror”. Since then tens of liberal economic policies, the growing debt servicing. The Philippines bears the thousands of Muslim villagers have been social and economic deterioration of the dubious distinction of being the only forcibly displaced and hundreds have been country, frantic attempts by the country in Asia to have seen a drop in per tortured, killed or disappeared. As a result, professionals to escape through capita GDP during and since the heady Muslim guerrilla activity has increased. immigration, moves by restive middle level years of the “Asian Tiger” boom. In October 2003, during a visit to the officers and demonstrations by popular Macapagal Arroyo’s family and cronies Philippines, Bush cited the country as a mass social movements put the Philippines have been implicated in the same levels of model for the re-building of Iraq. Forgetting back in the international news. In early corruption as that attributed to the deposed to mention the US invasion of the February 2006, an even more devastating president Estrada. Mike Arroyo, the Philippines in 1898 and 13-year pacification landslide brought on by rains and president’s husband, remains in self- campaign when upwards of one million deforestation, buried almost 2,000 imposed exile in the US to avoid facing Filipinos died, Bush described the townspeople on the island of Leyte. The charges of graft and fraud. Macapagal Philippines as a “model of democracy” – a inability of the regime to provide even the Arroyo maintains her support among the bona fide death squad democracy. most basic aid to the victims angered the military by offering lucrative concessions The Bush administration’s support for entire nation. to favourite generals and key officials in the Macapagal Arroyo regime has been On February 23, 2006, the eve of the the military leading to deep discontent reciprocated: A contingent of Philippine 20th anniversary of the overthrow of the among the junior ranks of the armed forces troops was sent to Iraq over the protests Marcos dictatorship, Macapagal Arroyo forced to survive on low wages. As a result, of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. declared a state of emergency banning all several mutinies of junior officers and These troops were only withdrawn when rallies, demonstrations and closing soldiers occurred, the largest of which was Iraqi resistance fighters threatened to opposition media. She issued orders for the the takeover of an upscale Manila execute captured Filipino labourers in Iraq: arrest of 59 individuals, including members shopping and apartment complex in July the Philippine economy is more dependent of the Congress, military officers and social 2003 by 300 soldiers from the special forces on remittances from its workers in west Asia critics, on charges of rebellion against her and the more recent uprising of Marines in than on US aid. The lucrative reconstruction regime. Rallies were planned to January of this year. contracts, which the Philippine elite had commemorate the end of the Marcos Military intelligence has been implicated expected to be awarded for its services to dictatorship and to protest the electoral in a campaign of bombings both in Manila the Bush administration in Iraq, never fraud, corruption, economic mismanage- and on the southern island of Mindanao, materialised. During 2006, another ment and human rights violations of the targeting markets, buses, commuter trains, contingent of 5,500 US soldiers are Macapagal Arroyo regime. Some rallies airports and mosques. The Macapagal scheduled to arrive in Mindanao and the defied the president’s decree, went ahead regime blamed a Muslim kidnapping gang, number of joint exercises has doubled. and were violently repressed. Abu Sayaf, and used the bombings as a US troops are not confined to the Those charged with rebellion included justification for greater militarisation of the separatist stronghold in the far south of six Congress people from leftwing political country. The curious timing of the the country. More and more “joint parties, a human rights attorney, retired and bombings, for example, the December 2004 operations” occur in the central islands and Contd. at page 35

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 25

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 25 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CPI(MAOIST)SPOKESPERSON ON NEPAL DEVELOPM,ENTS “There is need for caution with the present tactics” CPN(Maoists) may be giving over-emphasis to the possibility of advancing the movement through the Constituent Assembly! (With the latest developments in Nepal and the tactics and Strategy now being put forward by the CPN(Maoist) and the continuous appeals by Indian Marxist and revisionists to the Indian Maoists to learn from the Nepalese Maoists, People’s March has been trying to get the response of the Indian Maoists. At last we have received by e-mail a response from the spokesperson of the CPI(Maoists) which, to a large extent, gives their response. We are giving below an interview taken by our correspondent with comrade Azad, the spokesperson of the CC, CPI(Maoist) in end June 2006.) PM: How do you look at the current caution with the present tactics. We think this being a February revolution and that developments in Nepal? that Maoists forming a government jointly preparations must go on for the October Azad: We, in India, have been watching with the comprador bourgeois-feudal revolution, but we are not aware this later the ongoing developments in Nepal with parties such as the reactionary Nepali fits into their strategic offensive plan. great interest. The militant mass agitation Congress, revisionist CPN-UML and the PM: And what about the dissolution of the by the people of Nepal against the other parties of the ruling classes will not revolutionary organs of power and reactionary, autocratic regime of King really work out as they represent two merging of the two armies? Gyanendra in April, in the backdrop of the diametrically opposed class interests. It is Azad: These organs are the product of powerful armed struggle, was indeed a wrong interpretation on the question of protracted people’s war against the old historic. The people of Nepal had inscribed the state in Nepal to expect a possibility of state and they stand out as shining a glorious chapter in the annals of Nepal a peaceful transition from the CA to the examples of people’s democratic by forcing the fascist King to relinquish NDR. One may bring some reforms from dictatorship at the local level brilliantly built his adamant stand and to concede power above and satisfy certain deprived sections by the CPN(Maoist) party. The immediate to the parliament. Particularly the one of the people but it will never solve the task and the tactics should serve to million strong mobilization in Katmandu in basic problems of the people as you cannot strengthen these organs and mould them June and the lakhs mobilized in the districts smash feudalism and throw out imperialism into organs of uprising like the Soviets in indicates the growing influence of the from the soil of Nepal by utilizing the old revolutionary Russia and China. While Maoists in the country. Their influence to state whatever embellishments one might consolidating these organs of power we be encompassing even the urban areas. Our do to give it a refurbished image. Nothing need to strive to mobilize the masses in a Party hails the historic struggle of the short of a revolutionary upheaval of the big way into uprisings and strive to capture people of Nepal for democracy and a better masses can achieve the above objective. the cities leading to the final seizure of society. However, the revolutionaries in No doubt given the huge mass power at the opportune moment. In fact in India hope that the struggle in Nepal will mobilizations throughout the country and the concrete situation in Nepal today the go on until the overthrow of the King along the efforts to create an even wider upsurge Maoists have really only two revolutionary with the so called parliament and capture are positive preparations to take the options. Either they must intensify the mass of power by the revolutionary and revolution forward, but some of the upsurge, evolve the organizational forms democratic forces. We hope that the statements in the interviews tend to give of political power suitable for seizing Maoists will be able to maintain their the impression that the CPN(Maoists) are political power at the national/all Nepal initiative to direct the ongoing political giving over-emphasis to the possibility of level or if that is not possible owing to an developments. They would need to remain advancing the movement through the unfavourable balance of class forces the alert in their alliance with the seven party Constituent Assembly and in alliance with existing base areas should be consolidated alliance which wants to strike a compromise the 7-parties. This can have dangerous and strengthened and steps taken to with the King and betray the aspirations of implications. complete the democratic tasks and advance the people. The present emphasis of the CPN(Maoist) towards in the direction of the socialist PM: How do you view the tactics of the needs to be seen with caution particularly tasks. It is possible that in this process CPN(Maoist) in joining the interim after they had brilliantly built up their two Nepals will emerge – a reactionary one government and promising to abide by the people’s army of 25,000, their Base Areas, based in Kathmandu and few cities and a verdict of the constituent assembly? the UF and their new Organs of Power, and revolutionary Nepal based in the Azad: The situation in Nepal and the World had stated that they were in the phase of countryside. is complex. Due to the weakness in the the strategic offensive to seize power. In As regards merging the army within a international communist movement we see the process they effectively defeated all reconstituted state army, it is even more many a people’s war bogged down in a efforts of the police and RNA to crush them, dangerous. Mao said that without a struggle for survival for decades. In this maintaining the military and political people’s army the people have nothing. The situation it is no doubt that the Nepalese initiative. But now there is no reference army is one of the main instruments of class party and people have made historic even to the strategic offensive and how it rule. How can two diametrically opposed advances. But we feel there is need for is to advance. They ofcourse do refer to classes have a single army? By merging

26 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 26 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM the people’s army with the reactionary army they mean by positive is the Maoists shun- give to the Naxalite movement in India by of the ruling classes (until now the faithful ning armed struggle and joining the so- successfully establishing multiparty servant of the King) the people will become called mainstream of parliamentary politics) democracy in Nepal. defenceless in case of a reactionary armed impact on the Maoist movement in our When asked what he would say if he were offensive by the enemy. We have country. Anyone who is familiar with the to meet the Indian Prime Minister Man- experiences of several countries where the history of the Maoist movement in India, mohan Singh, comrade Prachanda said: toiling masses suffered heavily due to the with the numerous ups and downs it had “We are fighting for genuine multiparty wrong line of the Communist party. In gone through in the past four decades after democracy but they are imprisoned there, Indonesia we know of the cruel massacres Naxalbari, knows how resilient our in Patna, Siliguri, Chennai. If you release of communists and their sympathizers movement is. Even when confronted with them all, a message will go out. And if you carried out by the ruling classes due to the great difficulties and odds against the feel the Naxalite movement in India is a line of hobnobbing with the reactionary revolutionaries, the genuine Maoists in problem for you, we feel we are trying to ruling classes whom they considered as India never vacillated or drifted from their deal with the problems in Nepal in a new nationalist and democratic forces. We also line of new democratic revolution and way, so if you release our comrades and have before us the examples of Chile, achieving it through the line of protracted we are successful in establishing multi- Nicaragua and several other countries. One people’s war. They had not only rejected party democracy in Nepal, this will be a cannot rule out the possibility of the the parliamentary path but also fought very big message for the Naxalite move- reactionary ruling classes carrying out a against the parties who wanted to ment in India. In other words, the ground coup and reestablishing their monopoly participate in elections in the name of will be readied for them to think in a new over political power at an opportune utilizing it as a tactic. Of course, there are political way. Words are not enough; we moment when the revolutionary forces some pseudo revolutionary parties, like the need to validate what we are saying by have been effectively disarmed or CPI(ML)-Liberation which had degenerated establishing that democracy.” weakened. This has been the experience in into parliamentary parties but these stand It is really a matter of grave concern that several countries following the 2nd World exposed before the people as revisionist comrade Prachanda, instead of demanding War i.e France, Greece etc. But, of course, parties in the guise of MLM. the expansionist Indian ruling classes to if the Maoists do not pose a threat to the No wonder, the various ruling class parties stop all interference and meddling in Nepal’s interests of imperialism and the comprador and the so-called left parties in India are internal affairs, only talked of how their bureaucratic bourgeois (CBB) and they get elated at the change of stance by the tactics would bring about a change in the accommodated and incorporated into the CPN(Maoist) led by comrade Prachanda. outlook of the Maoists in India. Needless system then they too would be received They are naturally hailing the line taken by to say, these remarks will not only be deeply with warmth by the ruling classes. The the CPN(Maoist) and are calling upon the resented by the revolutionary masses of invitation to the UN to supervise the cease Maoists in India to realize the futility of our country who have seen the wretched fire and monitor the demobilization of the armed struggle and to follow the Maoists system of parliamentary democracy in people’s armed forces is also dangerous. of Nepal by participating in the parliamen- India but will also be proved totally wrong The UN is essentially an instrument of tary pig-sty in India. As bitter enemies and through their revolutionary practice. imperialism and particularly American opponents of revolution all these parties PM: The CPM and one of its top leaders, imperialism. It is bound to work in the have been in the forefront in suppressing Sitaram Yechuri, was focused as a messiah interests of the reactionary ruling classes the ongoing people’s war in India. The from India to play a role between the of Nepal and imperialism. Overall, the decision of the CPN(Maoist) to participate Maoists and SPA. After returning back to decision of the CPN(Maoist) to dissolve in the government along with the reaction- India he and his party advised the Indian the revolutionary people’s governments in ary parties, declaring their commitment to Maoists to follow the line of the the countryside and to merge the PLA with the so-called rule of law and the future CPN(Maoist). How do you explain this the reactionary army will unfold an constitution, and to become actors in the when they seem hostile to the Maoists irreversible process of losing all the ensuing game of parliamentary elections here? Apart from this Yechury told the revolutionary gains achieved till now. following the elections to the constituent press that the Indian Maoists have planned PM: The various parliamentary parties in assembly has come as a breather for the to kill him and the secret regarding this India, not to speak of the Left parties like ruling class parties in Nepal and the decision was informed to him by the Nepali the CPI and CPI(M), have been hailing the parliamentary system of India. Maoists. What is your comment please? line of participation in the interim In fact, in his interview with The Hindu last Azad: The CPM is a party of the Indian government and parliamentary democracy February, comrade Prachanda himself ruling classes, representing the interests taken by the Nepali Maoists and say that it hinted at the “positive” impact that his line of imperialism, feudalism and the CBB in will have a positive impact on the Maoist of multiparty democracy will have on the India. Their primary task seemed to be to movement in India. How does your Party Maoist movement in India. It must have bring the Nepalese Maoists into the assess its impact? come as a great relief for the Indian ruling parliamen-tary ‘mainstream’ which they Azad: It is the wishful subjective thinking classes to hear comrade Prachanda speak also keep preaching us in India. When we of these parties in India that the develop- of his Party’s commitment to multiparty do not accede they have used the worst ments in Nepal will have a “positive” (what democracy and the message he wants to forms of state terror against us as in West

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 27

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 27 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Bengal. Their aim is the same in both adopted by the Central Committee Meeting CPN(Maoist) has not adhered firmly to that countries — to pacify the Maoists in India of the CPN (Maoist) in May 2003, it correctly analysis from a strategic and class perspec- with bullets and do the same with the described the nature of the parliamentary tive. It is one thing to make necessary Nepalese Maoists with sugar-coated parties in Nepal in the following words— adjustments, understandings and tactical bullets. Yechuri and the CPM in effect “In form it may appear as a triangular unity with these parliamentary forces and played a more affective role for the Indian struggle involving monarchy, parliamen- even with a section of the imperialists ruling classes when the Congress was tary forces and revolutionary forces, but against the main enemy when conditions fumbling with the Karan Singh fiasco. But in essence and if one looks from a class for such alliances become ripe. But to create when he overdid his ‘diplomacy’ and was point of view, the struggle involving only illusions on the character of these parties sidelined, he cooked up the conspiracy two forces (reactionary and democratic or overlook their links with imperialists and theory of the Maoists in India planning to forces) are seen. It has been practically Indian expansionists will do great harm to kill him to regain some credibility and try proved that the differences between the the revolution in the long run. and sow seeds of mistrust between the two autocratic monarchical and parliamen- Moreover, we find that comrade Prachanda Maoist parties. A true Chanakya!! tary groups are nothing other than that of and the CPN(Maoist) had turned the tactics PM: Why are you opposed to the tactic of share of power within the old state. It has to the level of strategy and path of the world multiparty democracy as proposed by the been time and again proved in Nepal that revolution in the 21st century. Thus, in his CPN(Maoist)? monarchy in the name of nationalism interview to The Hindu comrade Prachanda Azad: Firstly, we are greatly perturbed by (fake) and parliamentary forces in the stressed that the Maoists’ commitment to the proposal put forth by comrade name of democracy (fake) want to occupy multi-party democracy is not tactical but Prachanda in his various interviews that the seat of power and betray the nation the result of a lengthy ideological debate his party was committed to multiparty and the people on identical class basis. within the party over three years. He said: democracy which will be practiced not after “What we have been saying from a class “our decision on multi-party democracy the revolutionary seizure of power by the and theoretical point of view and what is a strategically, theoretically developed proletariat but within the semi-colonial has become all the more exposed in the position and we are telling the parlia- semi-feudal society. The 2003 Plenum present cease-fire and negotiation process mentary parties that we are ready to have document was quite vague regarding is that it is the clash of interests between peaceful competition with you all.” CPN(Maoist)’s concept of multiparty different international reactionary The CPN(Maoist) leader directly assured democracy or political competition, i.e., centers which is behind the mutual the comprador bourgeois-feudal parliamen- whether it is applicable after the seizure of recriminations and contradictions tary parties that his Party is ready to have power by the revolutionary party or prior between different reactionary groups in peaceful competition with all of them. And to seizure itself. It only says it is possible Nepal. As the royal army and the palace by describing this decision on multiparty to organize political competition within the elements are being manipulated and democracy as a strategically, theoretically constitutional limits of the anti-feudal and protected by western imperialism, developed position comrade Prachanda anti-imperialist democratic state. However, particularly American imperialism, and has brought a dangerous thesis to the the statements, interviews and documents the main parliamentary forces by the fore—the thesis of peaceful coexistence released after the 12-point Delhi Agreement Indian rulers who seek special hegemony with the ruling class parties instead of between the CPN(Maoist) and the Seven in South Asia, they are having a overthrowing them through revolution; Party Alliance in November 2005 all point continuous tug of war between them. peaceful competition with all other to the need for competition within the Hence the whole Party should be clear parliamentary parties, including the ruling existing system after the Constituent that, in the background of political class parties that are stooges of imperialism Assembly is elected. development particularly after the palace or foreign reaction, in a so-called parliamen- There is also confusion regarding the class massacre, the idea of seeing either the tary elections; abandoning the objective character of the Parties with whom such monarchical or the parliamentary forces of building socialism for an indefinite political competition has to be conducted. of Nepal as more democratic or more period; and opening the doors wide for the While the 2003 document clearly stated nationalistic than the other, will be feudal-comprador reactionaries to come to that these forces will be anti-feudal and anti- specially harmful and wrong. It has power by utilizing the backwardness of the imperialist in character, the post November become all the more clear in the present masses and the massive backing from 2005 documents and interviews of day Nepal that we can never have any domestic and foreign reactionaries or the CPN(MAOIST) provide scope for such ideological and political relationship comprador bureaucratic bourgeois and competition with the constituents of SPA with either monarchical or parliamentary feudal and petty bourgeois forces to hijack who are basically comprador bourgeois- groups except to manage contradictions the entire course of development of the feudal in their character in spite of their role in a particular situation.” society from the socialist direction to against monarchy, or, more specifically, While the above analysis of the class maintaining the existing system (even if in against King Gyanendra’s autocratic rule. character of the parliamentary parties, their a new form) in the name of democracy and In fact, in the same document entitled fake democracy and loyalty to various nationalism. Whatever may be our good “Present situation and our tasks”, imperialist powers, is basically correct, it is intentions for building a more democratic presented by comrade Prachanda and indeed very unfortunate that the system, the laws governing class struggle

28 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 28 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM will not permit of such a system. History Since then, particularly since World War II, CPN(Maoist) claims that it is only by has proved this time and again from the the parliament and its related institutions organizing political competition and days of the Paris Commune right up till the have become even more corrupt and rotten institutionalizing the right of the masses earlier revolutions in Asia, Africa and Latin to the core. to install an alternative revolutionary party America. A good example of how the new power was in power that counter-revolution can be PM: Then are you in favour of multiparty built was the Paris Commune. The concepts effectively checked. democracy at least after the seizure of practiced there were further worked out in Azad: It is, indeed, surprising that the power? If not what is the form of the Soviets of the USSR, the communes in CPN(Maoist) should arrive at such a government you envisage after the China and the experiments of the GPCR and conclusion even after the proletariat is revolution? is being sought to be practiced in the Base equipped with rich and varied experiences Azad: The Marxist-Leninist-Maoist Areas being set up by the Maoists in dif- on the period of transition from capitalism understanding regarding the form of ferent parts of the world. to socialism, after it is armed with such an government that will be best suited for the Comrade Lenin also explained very lucidly appropriate form, method and weapon as proletariat is the Commune or the Soviet or how the Parliament functions even in the the cultural revolution and is in possession the Revolutionary Council that can best most democratic of the republics and, of a wealth of writings by our teachers— serve the proletariat and the vast majority contrasting it to the Commune, showed how Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin and Mao—and of the masses as they act not as talking the Communes (or the Soviets in Russia by several Marxist writers on the subject shops and mere legislative bodies but as and Revolutionary Councils in China) are of checking the degeneration of the Party, both legislative and executive bodies. The the most suitable forms of government for Army and the State; preventing the representatives to these bodies are elected the proletariat and the toiling masses. restoration of capitalism; and building a new and are subject to recall any time the people “The parliamentary bourgeois republic type of state and society. To think that feel they do not serve their interests. If we hampers and stifles the independent po- continuous proletarianization and look at the very process of the protracted litical life of the masses, their direct par- revolutionization of the Communist Party people’s war it entails the setting up ticipation in the democratic organisation can be ensured and that counter-revolution democratic power in the Base Areas of all of the life of the state from the bottom up. can be effectively checked by organizing anti-imperialist and anti-feudal forces The opposite is the case with the Soviets. so-called political competition or by UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF “The way out of parliamentarism is not, institutionalizing the right of the masses to PROLETARIAT elected democratically at of course, the abolition of representative install an alternative revolutionary party or gram sabhas with the right to remove them institutions and the elective principle, but leadership on the state means falling into also by the gram sabha. Here there is a close the conversion of the representative insti- the trap of bourgeois formalism and under- interaction between the power structures tutions from talking shops into “working” mining the real task of mobilizing the masses and the will of the people and therefore truly bodies. “The Commune was to be a work- extensively to wage bitter class struggle democratic. Once power is seized at the all- ing, not a parliamentary body, executive against the old reactionary defeated classes India level, till the transformation to the and legislative at the same time.” and the new bourgeois class developing socialist stage all genuinely anti-imperialist “The Commune substitutes for the venal within the Party, Army and the and anti-feudal parties will be part of the and rotten parliamentarism of bourgeois Administration. It is difficult to grasp how new power, and the transition to socialism society institutions in which freedom of alternative revolutionary parties can exist- can only take place through continuing the opinion and discussion does not especially since the communist parties have class struggle under the dictatorship of the degenerate into deception, for the always understood that different political proletariat. This does not deny democracy parliamentarians themselves have to lines represented either a proletarian for the masses at large but, as Lenin said, work, have to execute their own laws, have outlook or a bourgeois outlook. petty production generates a bourgeoisie themselves to test the results achieved in The crucial point lies not in ensuring the daily, hourly and these elements will find reality, and to account directly to their right of the masses to replace one Party by their representative at all realms of state constituents. …. We cannot imagine another through elections, which is anyway power, including the Party. Can anyone democracy, even proletarian democracy, the norm in any bourgeois republic or think of a better form of government and without representative institutions, but we bureaucrat bourgeois-feudal republic, but better form of exercising democracy in the can and must imagine democracy without ensuring their active and creative real sense of the term? parliamentarism, if criticism of bourgeois involvement in supervising the Party and “To decide once every few years which society is not mere words for us, if the the state, in checking the emergence of a members of the ruling class is to repress desire to overthrow the rule of the new bureaucratic class, and themselves and crush the people through parlia- bourgeoisie is our earnest and sincere taking part in the administration of the state ment—this is the real essence of bourgeois desire, and not a mere “election” cry for and society and in the entire process of parliamentarism, not only in parliamen- catching workers’ votes, as it is with the revolutionary transformation. And it will be tary- constitutional monarchies, but also Mensheviks and Socialist- the foremost task of the Party to organize in the most democratic republics”, said Revolutionaries,…” and lead the masses in checking counter- Lenin. PM: And how do you ensure political revolution and bringing about the This was said by Lenin over a century back. competition with other parties? The revolutionary transformation in all spheres

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 29

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 29 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM through continuing revolution under the tions belonging to the four classes that against the remnants of the feudal and CBB dictatorship of the proletariat. And this is comprised the motive forces of revolution forces. In Nepal they in effect dilute the the most important lesson handed down to were to take part in the elections to the class struggle by forming a government us by the entire historical experience of the various bodies. with feudal and CBB elements. world revolution, particularly by the GPCR. The CPC had strived to unite all the anti- The most important thing is that all the Moreover, is it possible for the Party of the feudal anti-imperialist parties and forces revolutionary bodies in the proletarian or proletariat to prevent the comeback of the during the new democratic revolution and people’s democratic state are elected and defeated classes to power and check also after the seizure of power and every person so elected is subject to recall counter-revolution peacefully or by a coup establishment of people’s democracy or the which is not seen in the so-called by providing such an opportunity to them people’s democratic dictatorship. parliamentary democracies. to compete in a “democratic” manner? In his article On the correct handling of PM: Do you find anything wrong when the Would the Bolshevik Party have won the contradictions among the people, in 1957, CPN(Maoist) says it will go to the new elections in Russia after the revolution had Mao explained the policy of the CPC to- democratic stage via the bourgeois it organized such political competition given wards other political parties after the cap- democratic or multiparty republic? its near-total absence in the vast backward ture of power thus: Azad: No Maoist would say it is wrong to countryside where the most reactionary “It is the desire as well as the policy of the fight for the demand of a Republic and for ideas ruled the roost? In fact, the Bolshevik Communist Party to exist side by side with the overthrow of the autocratic monarchy. Party had to even dissolve the constituent the democratic parties for a long time to And likewise, none would oppose the assembly immediately after it captured come. But whether the democratic parties forging of a united front of all those who power despite the fact that it was only a can long remain in existence depends not are opposed to the main enemy at any minority in it as the constituent assembly merely on the desire of the Communist given moment. Needless to say, such a acted as an instrument of the reactionaries Party but on how well they acquit united front would be purely tactical in and became an obstacle for carrying out themselves and on whether they enjoy the nature and cannot, and should not, under revolutionary reforms and for exercising trust of the people. Mutual supervision any circumstances, determine the path and proletarian dictatorship as in the Soviets. among the various parties is also a long- direction of the revolution itself. It is not just the case of Russia, in many established fact, in the sense that they have The problem with the theorization by the countries, particularly in semi-colonial semi- long been advising and criticizing each CPN(Maoist) lies in making the fight feudal countries, where petty commodity other. Mutual supervision is obviously not against autocracy into a sub-stage of NDR production and peasant economy a one-sided matter; it means that the Com- and, a tendency to make the sub-stage predominate, the feudal ideology, culture, munist Party can exercise supervision over overwhelm (dominate and determine) the customs and the force of habit among the the democratic parties, and vice versa.” very direction and path of the revolution. majority of the population will make it In China many methods were evolved to The programme and strategy of NDR drawn possible for other non-proletarian and even prevent capitalist restoration and the rise up by the Party prior to its launching of the reactionary parties under the anti-feudal of a new bourgeoisie in the Government armed struggle, its targets to be overthrown, anti-imperialist cloak to come to power rela- and Party. Mao’s let a hundred flowers and even the concrete class analysis made tively easily. Hence it will not be surprising blossom and let a hundred schools of earlier based on which the revolution had if we find that the idealist and subjective thought contend; his ‘Three-thirds’ system advanced so far, are now made subordinate proposal of the CPN(Maoist), though made of democratic representation which to the needs of the so-called sub-stage of with good intentions, ultimately becomes restricts the seats of Communist party Nepalese revolution. The sub-stage of a a convenient tool in the hands of the members in all elected bodies to a bourgeois democratic republic appears, capitalist-roaders to seize power. maximum of one-third of the whole and from their interviews and statements, to As regards political competition with other gives two-thirds of the seats to members of have become the all-determining factor. parties, we have the experience of China other parties and non-party elements; his As far as we know, , we can say that the where several democratic parties such as putting six political criteria for political numerous types of state system in the world the Democratic League, Peasants and parties to stand for elections; etc; are only can be reduced to three basic kinds Workers’ Party and others competed with a few of the examples adopted. Democracy according to the class character of their the CPC and contested in elections to the is not merely a formal putting a vote but political power: (1) republics under various organs of power. Although these must exist in the very living process of any bourgeois dictatorship {in addition to these existed for almost a decade after the organisation, with the leadership under the there are the fake republics in the backward revolution the people rejected them when close supervision of the masses and cadre; semi-feudal, semi-colonial countries under they refused to support socialism and tried this too is possible with only a general the joint dictatorship of the CBB and feudal to take China along the capitalist road. raising of MLM consciousness of the Party elements, backed by imperialism ); (2) Political competition was encouraged in and the masses and intensifying the class republics under the dictatorship of the China, not in the form of participation in struggle. In China there were many parties proletariat; and (3) republics under the joint Western-type bourgeois parliamentary after the revolution sharing power, but the dictatorship of several revolutionary elections but in the elections to various unity was on a principled basis, and was classes. In essence, the slogan of a bodies. Democratic parties and organiza- part of the front to deepen the class struggle bourgeois democratic republic given by the

30 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 30 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM CPN(Maoist) cannot but come under the wants to go for political competition, in the to initiate after coming to power through first type of republic in spite of the elections and ensure that Nepal does not elections. This is already being seen with participation of the revolutionary party in drift into the clutches of imperialism and the 8 point agreement being said to be the state power along with the comprador Indian expansionism? How could one illegal. US imperialism is even strongly bourgeois-feudal parties. believe that once the elections to the demanding that the Maoist should In his interview with the BBC correspon- Constituent Assembly are over and Nepal participate in the constituent assembly only dent, comrade Prachanda gave his vision becomes a Republic, not under the leader- after they lay down their arms. The of future Nepal in the following words: ship of the working class party but may be CPN(Maoists) have rightly opposed this “We believe that the Nepali people will under an alliance of a hotch-potch combina- position of the US and also Indian go for a republic and in a peaceful way tion of Parties i.e., an alliance of ruling class expansionists. We expect that they will the process of rebuilding Nepal will go and working class under CPN(Maoist), the remain firm in this. forward. country would free itself from feudalism and Then there will be several institutions like “In five years’ time Nepal will move imperialism and become a “beautiful, the judiciary, the election commission, the towards being a beautiful, peaceful and peaceful and progressive nation” ? media, various artistic, cultural and even progressive nation. According to comrade Prachanda’s religious bodies, non-government organi- “In five years’ time the millions of Nepalis opinion, “the reactionary class and their sations, and also human rights organiza- will already be moving ahead with a parties will try to transform this republic tions some of which are floated by the ruling mission to make a beautiful future, and into bourgeois parliamentarian one, classes, and so on. If one slips into the Nepal will truly start becoming a heaven where as our party of the proletariat class quagmire of the so-called multiparty demo- on earth.” will try to transform it into new democratic cratic republic, one cannot escape from He further asserted that a democratic republic. How long will be the period of upholding these so-called independent republic elected in such a way will solve transition, is not a thing that can right institutions. Many of these can become the problems of Nepalis!! now be ascertained. It is clear that it will hideouts of the reactionary forces and work “We believe that with the election of a depend upon the then national and for counter-revolution in diverse subtle constituent assembly, a democratic international situation and state of power ways. One cannot forget the subtle manner republic will be formed in Nepal. And this balance.” in which the western agencies infiltrated will solve the problems of Nepalis and lead This so-called transitional multiparty and subverted the societies in East the country into a more progressive path.” republic is sought to be transformed into a European countries and even in the former Anyone reading the above lines would new democratic republic through peaceful Soviet Union. think that these views reflect more a struggle by means of political competition PM: Comrade Prachanda says that the nationalist sentiment than a proletarian with reactionary class and their parties tactics adopted by his party are based on class outlook. which try to transform it into a bourgeois the specificities of the political and How will Nepal start becoming a “heaven parliamentary republic!! military balance in the world as well as on earth” after becoming a bourgeois Whatever be the tactics adopted by the particular class, political and power balance republic? How can the formation of a CPN(Maoist) the most objectionable part in Nepal besides the experiences of the 20th democratic republic “solve the problems of in the entire matter is its projection of these century. What is your Party’s opinion on Nepalis”? Can it free itself from the clutches tactics as a theoretically developed position this? of imperialism after becoming a republic in which it thinks should be the model for the Azad: It is true that comrade Prachanda in the present imperialist era? Does the revolutions in the 21st century. In the name his interview to The Hindu last February CPN(Moist), which claims to believe in of fighting against dogmatism our cited the above three factors for his party MLM, really think that the “process of re- comrades of CPN(Maoist) are slipping into coming to the decision on multiparty building Nepal will go forward in a peace- dangerous territory. democracy. In fact, this understanding ful way”? And is there a single instance in Moreover, as long as the Party wages a could be seen in the CPN(Maoist) even world history where such peaceful process consistent struggle against imperialism and before the said interview. For instance, in of rebuilding has taken place? Does not local reactionaries and pursues the line of the CC meeting in August 2004, it began the history of world revolution show that redistribution of land and wealth, nationali- to be skeptical about the prospects of bitter class struggle, bloody and violent at sation of all comprador, foreign industries, victory in a small country like Nepal when times, continues even after decades banks and foreign trade, it is certain to face it is confronted by imperialism and there following the capture of power by the opposition from the other parliamentary is no advancement of any strong proletariat? Then how could comrade parties. And if it wants to be part of the par- revolutionary movement. Prachanda think of such a peaceful process liamentary game it has to abide by its rules “In the present context, when along with of rebuilding Nepal even at this sub-stage? and cannot carry out its anti-feudal, anti- the restoration of capitalism in China Do the parties belonging to the SPA really imperialist policies in a thoroughgoing way. there is no other socialist state existing, fight imperialism, Indian expansionism and Even the independence of the judiciary has when despite objective condition turning feudalism in Nepal? Is there a guarantee to be recognised as part of the game of favorable currently there is no that the CPN(Maoist) will defeat the parliament and can cause obstruction to advancement in any strong revolutionary bourgeois-feudal parties, with which it every reform which the Maoist party tries movement under the leadership of the

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 31

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 31 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM proletariat, and when world imperialism revolutionary forces there is no question multiparty democracy is the best instrument is pouncing on people everywhere like an that it may and will require a great flexibility for achieving this transformation as injured tiger, is it possible for a small in tactics. Particularly when we are a sizable witnessed in West Bengal and Kerala. The country with a specific geo-political force such flexibility can more effectively CPI(ML)-Liberation, in the name of MLM, compulsion like Nepal to gain victory to be wielded for the achievement of our goals. preaches the virtues of multi-party the point of capturing central state But while doing so there is always a danger democracy and calls all those who do not through revolution? This is the most to lose sight of our strategic tasks of the wish to be tied to the parliamentary pig-sty significant question being put before the seizure of power by armed force. From the as anarchists and adventurists. Party today. The answer to this question statements being made by the CPN(Maoist) It is good that the CPN(Maoist) wants to can only be found in Marxism-Leninism- leadership it appears that that danger is debate with the Maoists in India on the Maoism and on this depends the future of there. Many statements being made and question of leadership and multiparty the Nepalese revolution.” the interviews being given tend to negate democracy. There have been interesting The same Plenum had also pointed out why some of the basic Marxist understandings discussions and exchange of opinions and the series of tactical steps like cease-fire, regarding state and revolution. It may be experiences between the leaderships of our negotiation, political way out etc., were said to have been made in the context of two parties on the concept of leadership, taken up. diplomacy; but its end result is to mis- on the question of personality cult and “There is no doubt that the imperialist educate the revolutionary and progressive concentration of all power in the hands of forces are now in preparation for even camp. It is not expected from a Marxist one individual, etc. Our opinion has always more vicious assault as the Nepalese statesman. been that it is necessary for a good section People’s War is in preparation for In the interview com Prachanda had gone of the Party leadership to work among the strategic offensive from its current to the extent of saying:” We are ready to masses and concentrate on building class position of strategic equilibrium. The accept the people’s verdict, if they chose struggle even after the seizure of power in entire complexities, opportunities and constitutional monarchy and multiparty order to prevent the degeneration in the challenges of Nepalese revolution are the democracy.” It is indeed a great tragedy to Party functionaries, officials in the various manifestations of this objective see the Maoist party finally ending up in state departments, particularly the armed condition……But, in Nepal, the develop- these political positions in spite of having forces, in the various units in the production ment of revolution has reached a very de facto power in most of the countryside. sphere, and so on. We must encourage the sensitive stage of preparation for strategic PM: Comrade Prachanda says that the line masses to criticize the mistakes committed offensive. It is essential to understand that of multiparty democracy applies to the by the party and the party leaders even in the series of tactical steps undertaken by Maoist movement in India too. How does the course of the revolutionary movement the Party such as cease-fire, negotiation, your party see this? prior to the seizure of power. We must political way out etc. are based on this Azad: We saw his comments on this point develop collective leadership rather than strategically favorable and tactically in his interview with The Hindu focusing on any one individual or unfavorable world situation and the correspondent. It says: delegating revolutionary authority. condition of strategic equilibrium inside “We believe it applies to them too. We want Dependency on one or few individuals the country.” to debate this. They have to understand instead of developing collective leadership It is true that the revolutions everywhere this and go down this route. Both on the and involving the entire Party membership are confronting a tough situation especially question of leadership and on multiparty and the masses in decision-making has after the setback of China. Tactically democracy, or rather multiparty been one of the causes that led to great speaking, in the present-day world, the competition I believe those who call reversals in Russia and China where, after enemy forces are quite strong while our themselves revolutionaries in India need the demise of outstanding proletarian subjective forces are weak. World to think about these issues. And there is a leaders like Stalin and Mao, the CPSU and imperialism has unleashed a massive need to go in the direction of that practice. the CPC turned revisionist so easily. offensive on the revolutionary forces, We wish to debate with them on this. If We agree with comrade Prachanda when national liberation movements and on the revolutionaries are not going to look at he says that “from the lessons of the 20th people’s movements everywhere. But this the need for ideological development, they Century communist states - we want to is only one side of the coin. At the same will not go anywhere.” move to a new plane in terms of leadership time, the objective conditions are quite Such advice has been coming forth from - where one person doesn’t remain the favourable; imperialism, particularly US the various ruling class parliamentary party leader or the head of state.” imperialism, is hated by the people parties in India since long. The revisionist In fact, this had also been one of the major everywhere and massive people’s CPI and CPI(M), who swear by Marx and points of debate during the inner-party movements are breaking out against Lenin, regularly sermonise through their struggle in the CPN(Maoist) during 2004- imperialism, particularly US imperialism, magazines, documents and statements, 05 when comrade Bhattarai (Laldhoj), in his throughout the world. Any revolution in regarding the futility of armed struggle for Basic Questions for Inner-Party today’s world has to inevitably face the seizing state power and achieving Discussion, raised questions such as: Is attacks by the imperialists. revolutionary social transformation. They proletarian leadership a centralized To face an enemy much bigger than the desperately try to show how parliamentary expression of collectivity, or is it a person

32 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 32 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM centered? Does the principal law of ment in science and technology, particu- traps laid by the ruling classes and their dialectics, viz. one divides into two, apply larly in electronic communication techno- imperialist and expansionist masters; to the main leadership or not? How does logy, in the world.” How this unpreceden- second to beware of a sudden coup and the system of a single person occupying ted development has a bearing on the massacre of communists as witnessed in the top Party, army and the state posts, strategy of the revolutions in the 21st Greece, Indonesia, Chile and a number of and that too for life, solve the question of century or on the nature of democracy in other countries. Even a huge mass base in generating revolutionary successors and the 21st century is not clear. these countries did not stop such of continuous revolution? Our party, the It says that “in the field of ideology, the massacres. But we will expect that the CPI(Maoist) wish to conduct a serious central committee has attempted to draw CPN(Maoists) will steer the Party forward debate on these questions and also on the a strategic outline of the world revolution and advance the revolution for the seizure question of Prachanda Path and on the based on the analysis of today’s world of power countrywide. concept of path, thought and ism. situation and mainly the new analysis of PM: One last question. What is the PM: What would you say with regard to globalized imperialism and proletarian message you would like to give to the the concept of 21st century democracy as movement and has succeeded to present a revolutionary ranks of Nepal, India and the proposed by the CPN(Maoist) led by totally new concept in relation to rest of the world? comrade Prachanda? leadership and accomplishing revolution Azad: First we would seriously request the Azad: What is new in the concept of 21st and preventing counter-revolution” and CPN(Maoist) and its leadership to century democracy raised by the “in the field of politics” it says, it has made reconsider some of its recent positions and CPN(Maoist) and how is it qualitatively a “qualitative leap in the concept learn from the history of past mistakes. The different from the democracy of the 20th regarding political and military strategy Nepalese party and people have a great century? The CPN(Maoist) had also and tactic established in the 20th century.” history of struggle and sacrifice. Over claimed that its “decision on multi-party We are still not clear what is this new 10,000 have lost their lives in the course of democracy is a strategically, theoretically concept and qualitative leap claimed by the present people’s war. We salute these developed position” which is even CPN(Maoist) except for their line of heroic martyrs of the Nepalese and world applicable to conditions in India. One knows multiparty democracy and political revolution. We are confident that the great about bourgeois democracy and competition which boils down to competing Nepalese people will advance the proletarian democracy, that democracy too peacefully with the various reactionary and revolution forward facing the numerous has a class character, which in a class- revisionist parties for power in a so-called twists and turns in the movement. There is divided society democracy will serve the transitional multiparty democratic republic. no doubt that revolution today is no simple ruling class while exercising dictatorship PM: Finally, where do you see the Nepalese task; the path will be zig-zag. over the rest of the people. In bourgeois revolution heading? We also call on the people of India to lend republics the nature of democracy is Azad: We also do see reports that the PLA full support to the Nepalese revolution. But bourgeois. It is meant to serve the still maintains its fire-power and alertness. while doing so it is also the duty of the bourgeoisie while oppressing the vast Also there is reference to the recent upsurge Indian and world proletariat to render majority of the people. Its essence is being the February revolution and the friendly suggestions to their comrades in bourgeois dictatorship. Likewise, in preparations going on for the October Nepal. After all, the interests of the Nepalese people’s democratic republics, the revolution. There are also reports of huge revolution are very much in the interests of democracy is meant for all the anti-feudal, mass mobilization to win over new forces world revolution, and more particularly of anti-imperialist classes while dictatorship to the side of the revolution, including in its neighbour, the Indian revolution. The is exercised over the enemies of the people the urban areas. Also the US imperialists revolutionary people of India are ready for and their agents. The qualitative difference and Indian expansionists (including their any sacrifice in support of the Nepalese between different types of democracies lies stooge, Yechuri) are openly trying to revolution. We are confident that we will in their class character. But when the sabotage the alliance demanding as a march forward, together, against the CPN(Maoist) says that there is a qualitative prerequisite the laying down of arms by obnoxious system of world imperialism and difference between the democracy of the the Maoists. Besides, the Maoists have its local semi-feudal base. 20th and 21st centuries without any stated that they will not give up their arms PM: We, on behalf of the People’s March reference to the class character, it is not and will maintain their own camps. All these wish to thank you for the interview on this only unconvincing but also seems to be are positive trends indicating the readiness so crucial issue in a neighbouring country. highly subjective. of the Maoists to advance towards the New Azad: Thank You One reason given is that in the 21st century Democratic Revolution. There is need to n n there has “been unprecedented develop- beware from two situations: falling into any Single Copy Annual Subscription rates India & South Asia Rs.12/- India & South Asia Rs. 144/- (Plus Rs. 6/- postage) Rest of the 3rd World Countries $2.00 Rest of the 3rd world Countries $24.00 Rest of the World $3.00 Rest of the World $36.00 For Copies and Subscriptions, Contact : 99472 76692 P. Govindan Kutty, Peroor House, North Fort, Tripunithura, P.O. Box 56, Ernakulam District, Kerala - 682 301, India.

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 33

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 33 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Contd. from page 25 According to the Karapatan, the of force to sustain its hold on power, faced independent human rights organisation with its gross incompetence in the face of active military officers and social activists. involved in documenting and providing several natural/ecological disasters, Most of the charges have no substance legal support to victims of human rights popular resistance has spread from the and are totally arbitrary. For example, abuses, the disappearances and countryside to the cities. The popular mass Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) congressman assassinations are committed by death organisations, involving peasant and Crispin Beltran, age 73, veteran labour squads in some of the most heavily indigenous minority farmers, industrial leader and anti-Marcos activist, was militarised areas in the Philippines. The workers, teachers, journalists, civil arrested shortly after the emergency rule death squads would not be able to act with servants, students, women, artists, human declaration, at first on the basis of a 25- impunity without the complicity of the rights workers, lawyers and clergy have year-old charge made during the Marcos military. Witnesses to the killings have grown despite the campaign of state terror. dictatorship. When these charges were themselves disappeared and the Philippine On the 20th anniversary of the 1986 shown to have been dropped decades judicial system has failed to prosecute the overthrow of Marcos, tens of thousands earlier, he was charged with rebellion. intellectual authors or perpetrators. Nor has defied the state of emergency and marched This is the latest of a series of attacks the military made any effort to investigate in Manila and in cities throughout the on the part of the Macapagal Arroyo regime and arrest identified death squad leaders. country. Over 10,000 women defied police aimed specifically at destroying class- Human rights groups provide evidence that bans to march on international women’s based political parties and trade union death squads operate under the protective day. Students and teachers are mounting activity, including Bayan Muna and its umbrella of regional military commands, campaigns on the campuses around the coalition partners. The campaign of especially the US-trained Special Forces. country. Former presidents, business assassination and disappearances of 80 Macapagal’s promotion of the notorious executives and clergy are calling for members of this party alliance between 2001 colonel Jovito Palparan, (‘Butcher of Macapagal Arroyo’s resignation and a and 2005, including mayors and provincial Mindoro’) to general, despite extensive “smooth transition” within the elite, while elected representatives has finally reached documentation and testimony of gross the popular mass movements and their the top elected representatives in the human rights abuses points to the besieged political representatives are Philippine Congress. In 2006, repression president’s support for military-backed demanding justice for the victims of state turned from the countryside to the capital, state terrorism. When Palparan was terror, an end to US military presence, a from peasant leaders to Manila-based assigned to Central Luzon in September repeal of the value added taxes, an increase Congress people, media, working class and 2005, the number of political assassinations in the minimum wage, land reform, a left party leaders. Of the 26 political in that region alone jumped to 52 in four moratorium of debt payments, re- assassinations in the first 10 weeks of 2006, months. Prior to his promotion, the regions nationalisation of key economic sectors three have been Bayan Muna officials. The with the largest number of summary and consequential peace negotiations arbitrary arrest of congressional executions like Eastern Visayas and Central between the state and the NPA and Muslim representatives sends a signal to the legal Luzon were under then colonel Palparan. separatists. That Macapagal Arroyo will left that the regime will not tolerate dissent State of the Resistance eventually be forced to resign is, according or challenges to its policies even from In the face of the disintegration of the to officials, a likely outcome. The question within Congress. economy and society, and the regime’s use is when and by whom? n n

Contd. from page 35 were deployed to guard the vital area have opposed the Salwa Judum of these actions by the so-called installations of the railways. However, total including the team of senior journalists like democratic government of this country. train traffic was jammed through the B.G.Verghese, Ramchandra Guha and The people of this country have a right cooperation of the masses. In order to avoid leading academic Nandini Sunder. There is to rebel against the atrocities perpetrated inconvenience to the people there was a cry from all over the country to stop the against them. They have a right to defend advanced information given out calling state-sponsored terror amongst the tribals their lives and land against the rapacious upon them to support the campaign against of Bastar. Over 50,000 have been displaced sell out to MNCs and compradors for the Salwa Judum. and virtually put in concentration camps in mining and other purposes. And if they are The CPI(Maoist) appealed to the people the named of protection. These are hell attacked with the brute armed might of the of the country to oppose not only the SJ holes and terror camps along the style of state they have the right to defend campaign but also similar campaigns being the “strategic hamlets” set up by the US themselves with whatever means possible. unleashed in various parts of the country. forces in Vietnam. They destroy the tribes The real terrorists are the robber barons In addition to this opposition a number and their culture and dislodge them from who want to loot out country and their of teams of intellectuals, journalists and their natural habitat. International opinion accomplices here. The people of our civil liberty activists who have visited the has also come out in strong condemnation country will never allow it!!! n n

34 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 34 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Contd. from back page participation the lead in the war has to come apologizing for joining the SJ. Also utilising the weakness of these from the Main forces of the PLGA, who are This is just a sample of the attacks that mercenary forces to loot valuables the the vanguard in the battle. We now give have taken place by the PLGA forces. villagers put bombs to radio sets which go below some examples that have reached the Others have already been reported in earlier off on being turned on. In the process a outside world of these heroic battles (earlier issues and many are still to reach the media number of the looters have been killed. In issues have also covered other battles). from which this information is gathered. one example the militia left a radio on the PLGA in Forefront of the Battle Countrywide Democratic Opposition to road leading to Chinnapalli village in the At the start itself the attack on the CRPF the Salwa Judum Bairamgadh area. A to SJ goon and his mine-proof vehicle in which 24 were killed Besides, the democratic and progre- accomplice were killed when they tried to (the action being led by a Mahilla ssive people of the state of Chhathisgarh rob it. commander) there have been followed by took out a rally of 10,000 in Raipur at the The government has always sought to successful actions in Paded, Mendo, end of December last year. When the target the Maad area which they claim is Vinjram, bailladilla, Chintalnar, etc. in which Raman Singh government together with the Headquarters of the Maoists. But all over 20 Naga/CRPF forces were wiped out Mahendra Karma has tried to take out rallies their efforts have got thoroughly defeated. and many more were injured severely. Large in the cities in support of the SJ a maximum In Dec 2005 itself they conspired to extend quantities of weapons and ammunition of 100 people attend. This is an indication the SJ campaign from Bairamgarh/Bijapur have been seized. In all these actions as to who won the urban masses support. at one end and Narainpur at the other toward thousand from the masses have In addition to all this it has been the Maad area going through Barsoor, participated making it truly a people’s war. reported in the media that in response to a Orcha, Chotadongar and Koilbeda areas. In North Bastar, 8 police were killed in call of the Politburo of the CPI(Maoist) an In this connection they stationed the Naga the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign all-India and international campaign has battalion at Narainpur and Pakhanjur. To since January 2006 and 55/60 police were been conducted to condemn the brutalities create terror they burnt down the houses injured. One SLR was seized. In South of the Indian government and their of the leading activists, arrested and Bastar in the Murikinaar raid the PLGA international masters. A week long all-India brutally tortured some and gang-raped forces seized 49 weapons including 4 AKs, campaign against the Salwa Judum many a woman activist. They killed a 2 stens, 1 Insas, 14 SLRs, 25—.303, 1 LMG, culminated in an all-India bandh on Jan.26th. number of mass leaders. In Jan.2006 the one 2" mortars, 1 pistol. 2700 rounds were On June 14/15 a 2-day Chakka Jam PLGA arrested about two dozen SJ also seized. 11 police/SPOs died while 4 programme was called by the CC of the elements recruited form the area who had were injured. Also seized was one night CPI(Maoist) in Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, also been given arms training. They were vision goggle. Chhathisgarh and parts of Bengal. The brought before a people’s court. The On Feb 6th, 10 Naga police were killed response to this call was good and large people passed a death sentence on a few in Kothacheruvu near Bejji. Another 9 were parts of these regions came to a standstill of the ring leaders and released the others injured. On Jan 29, the PLGA forces for 48 hours. Thousands of leaflets, posters after a stern warning. This was a major blow attacked the SPO camp in Gangulur and banners were released and propagated by to the enemy plan to make an entry into killed 8 SPOs/SJ goondas. Another 10 were the respective state committees of the party. Maad. Having failed in this attempt they injured. On Feb 9th, in Operation Akash The atrocities of the SJ were this time got massive para-military forces to cross the PLGA successfully conducted a raid . focused well compared to the January the Indrvati and went on a big campaign of seized 14 SLRs, one 9mm, 20 tonnes of programme. Particularly the towns like burn all, loot all, destroy all, attacking village gelatine, thousands of detonators, cordex Tatanagar, Ranchi, , Bokaro, after village. Hired SJ goons from Bijapur wires. In this incident, com Kiran who was Daltanganj, Chaibassa, Chatra, Hazaribagh, were used to hold so-called mass meetings. earlier in 6th PL was injured. On Feb 11th, Girdi, Gaya, Aurangabad, Patna, Gahtshilla, Inspite of threats and coercion, not a single the militia attacked police and seized one Purlia, Jhargram sub-division, Belphadi, local attended; not even the local traders SLR in Chintalnaar. On Jan 22, a militia Malkangiri to Behrampur and Sambhalpur and political leaders. Yet not a single person squad attacked a vehicle coming from sub-division, Jagdalpur to Bhopala- joined the SJ; on the contrary the local militia Bijapur to Avapalli bank and seized 5 lakhs pattnam, Dantewada, Kanker, Narainpur wiped out a number of SJ goons and para- and one DBBL. sub division, etc witnessed effective military forces. Thereby their attack on When people began returning from the bandhs. According to a rough estimate of Maad failed. govt camps to attend the tendu leaf picking the media 50,000 trucks were affected, So we see that in the ongoing people’s and other works, they were being forced to particularly NH-5, NH-6, NH-2 and some war in the DK the masses have been go back to the camps but the resistance by other highways totally witnessed jams of mobilised for the war. They are not mere the PLGA encouraged them to stay back in vehicles. No untoward incidence happened sympathizers or spectators; they are actual the villages. The SPOs are finding it difficult due to the voluntary cooperation and participants in the war. It is only by to stay in the camps out of fear of attacks. participation of the people. involving the masses in the war in this way Hence they are aggressively forcing people In Bihar and Jharkhand officially the is it possible to conduct a real people’s war. to return to camps. The Murikinaar attack railways withdrew all the trains including The revolutionaries of DK have set an has encouraged the people much and many freight trains. 70,000 para-military forces excellent example. But besides the mass SPOs are returning to villages and are Contd. at page 34

PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 35

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 35 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM Regd. with the RNI under RNI No. KER ENG/2000/2051 Postal Regn. No. KL/EK/614/2004-06 Repression and Heroic Resistance in DK As the massacre of innocent tribals separate report). On May 1st a DK bandh Mass Organisations and the people’s continues with the toll now having was called against the Black Act passed by government, led by the PLGA have been reached 250 the masses of Bastar, under the Chhathisgarh government which does retaliating magnificently and have the leadership of the CPI(Maoist) have away with every type of civil liberties of thereby achieved much successes. been resisting the fierce attack heroically. the people. On May 21st/22nd a DK bandh The militia have killed a number of The rulers have sought to spread the was called against the Salwa Judum. Also leading elements of the SJ. Particularly the Salwa Judum (SJ) campaign to the regular campaigns have been going on most notorious Mahendra Karma’s right Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. A against the Raogarh mining project linking hand, Ajay Singh (a man from UP) was campaign in the name of Lokyatra/ it to the very model of imperialist sponsored wiped out on May 22, 06. On this day Shantiyatra was taken up by the development. Ajay Singh and his hoodlums were going government covering Sironcha, Allapalli, For 40 days the SJ campaign was on motorcycles to oppose the Bandh call Bhamragadh, Nadipalli and Kasansur and suspended after the Darbhagudem incident given by the CPI(Maoist) Special Zonal upto Gadchiroli via Tipragadh area. The when the SJ hoodlums were blown up, but Committee. The militia tracked his move- leadership was given by one journalist was revived in the second week of April. In ments. They then blocked his path by Suresh Dwadeshivar editor of the the second week of April massive attacks felling a tree. Then he and three of his Congress newspaper. The so were unleashed on several villages under accomplices were blown up by a pressure called Shantiyatra was basically packed the direct leadership of Karma who bomb. with Congress and RSS elements. The personally burnt houses. At least 800 The real essence of the people’s war campaign was escorted by police houses were burnt in 10 villages — is that now virtually every village has been vehicles throughout and was thus Gaganpalli, Otukendra, Banda, Heldad- turned into a fortress. To protect their exposed as a police-sponsored camp- banda, Etegatta, Palamadugu, Arjam etc. In villages the masses and militia have used aign. There was not much mobilisation the South in Bijapur and Byramgadh blocs, many an ingenious method like ‘boogie for the shanti yatra unlike in Bastar. Baba SJ committees have been formed for 10-12 traps’, pressure bombs, and other such, Amte and a large number of intellectuals villages. Meetings are being held near to resist the enemy forces. These have from Vidarbha opposed the campaign. Police Stations by mobilising people from become a nightmare for the terror squads Even the once leader of the separate nearby villages. On 8th May, 200 SJ of the government whether in uniform or Vidarbha movement (and later Congress goondas along with 50 policemen attacked out of it. People have been hiding their minister), Jamantrao Dhote in a signed Nallamadugu village near Konta and killed stock of grains in the forests to save it article in a daily paper condemned not 3 members and burnt 50 houses. Since 12th from loot and destruction of the govt. only opposed this Yatra but also the very April in Konta area 20 villages were forces. In every village there are two to system of which he was once a part and attacked and 700 houses were burnt. In the three sentry posts that function around gave support to the naxalite movement. camps in Dornapal, Errabore, Vinjaram and the clock. They alert the village well in The CPI(Maoist) Gadchiroli division Kunta around 10,000 people are staying. advance on seeing the enemy forces. organised a successful bandh against The Red Cross is helping the SJ Specific arrangements are made to first this campaign on March 30. goondas by supplying funds and medicines take care of the women, children and the Since the end of January the local in the name of helping the victims. elderly. Not only are the villages being Party in the area has taken a massive But the masses have been heroically defended even every house is becoming political and military campaign resisting this fierce attack, organised into a fortress of resistance. Boogie traps have throughout the area. The political their militias and in the PLGA. It is not only been laid even within the houses, like the campaign has focused not only on the the higher formations of the Platoons and deep pit ‘boogie trap’. In some places SJ and against the para-military forces Company that have been fighting back; the ‘pressure bombs’ have been placed, but also against imperialism and militias of the youth have been using the known only to the villagers. feudalism. While a specific military most ingenious and creative methods to Besides these specific arrangements campaign was taken from April to June. hit back. A few examples of this heroic have been made to protect the martyr The political campaign included the resistance has filtered in to the press columns, erected in many villages. The following: On March 8th a widespread notwithstanding the systematic attempts enemy forces also particularly target these campaign was taken throughout DK to block out all information on the terror as symbols of resistance and the new against patriarchy in general and against being unleashed in Bastar and the people’s power. so, for example, when they tried to the inhuman brutalities of the SJ resistance. destroy the statues of the three erstwhile hoodlums and paramilitary against Every Village a Fortress CCMs, Shyam, Mahesh and Murali, in a women in particular. On March 23rd, in The people’s morale is high due to their village in the Indravati area a pressure commemoration of the 75th death ability to successfully resist and thereby bomb went off seriously injuring a jawan. anniversary of Bhagat Singh an extensive the people’s war in this area has reached Since then they keep a distance from these anti-imperialist campaign was taken (see new heights. The ‘Koya Bhoomkal Militia’, martyr columns!!! Continued on page 35

36 PEOPLE'S MARCH, June-July2006 Owned, Edited, Printed & Published by P. Govindan Kutty, Peroor house, Tripunithura, N.F. Ernakulam, Kerala — 682 301, Printed at Chithira Printers, 63/321, Poruvelil, Kannachanthodu Road, Kochi — 18

Jun-Jul 2006.pmd 36 7/24/2006, 11:27 AM