The Democratic
Front against Operation Green Hunt (Punjab), on December 7th,
organised a massive state-level convention and a protest in
Jalandhar, condemning the merciless killings of Adivasis and Maoist
revolutionaries, and demanding the immediate release of incarcerated
intellectuals, democratic activists, and prisoners who have completed
their sentences but continue to languish in jail. It was literally
just what the doctor ordered, with state repression in recent times
transcending neo fascist realms, not previously scaled. It speaks
volumes of the organised democratic movement of Punjab and continues
the legacy of the state in churning protest against autocracy and
illuminating the light of genuine democracy.
The convention,
dedicated to International Human Rights Day, was held at Desh Bhagat
Yadgar Hall under the chairpersonship of the Front’s conveners Dr.
Parminder Singh, Prof. A.K. Maleri, Yashpal, and Boota Singh
Mahimoodpur. Participants included farmers, workers, youth, students,
women, rationalist organisations, defenders of democratic rights,
pro-people writers, cultural activists, and theatre practitioners
from across Punjab.
The gathering was
a resounding success in symbolising the ruthless hand and
crystallising of proto-fascism in the country and was a testament to
the revolutionary democratic consciousness and potential to organise
in the oppressed masses of Punjab, in all sectors. The wave of
revolutionary democracy shimmered like a star. The participants spoke
for the oppressed people of India, as a whole. No where in the
country could one witness such broad-based unity, comprising such
diverse strata of society., or such a correct approach to confronting
state oppression. The speakers literally hit the wave of proto- or
neo-fascism at it’s hardest point.
Addressing the
gathering, activist Nadeem Khan, senior journalist Prashant Rahi,
activist Asif Iqbal Tanha, and democratic rights advocate Dr.
Navsharan stated that democratic and human rights are being
extinguished through arrests, incarceration, and what they
characterised as fabricated or framed criminal cases. They expressed
grave concern over repeated public statements by the union Home
minister calling on insurgents to “surrender or be prepared to
die,” categorising such slandering or abuse as symbolising of
consolidating escalating security approach. “Those in power may
possess coercive force, but in the end, truth will prevail,” said
Nadeem Khan.
Speakers alleged
that large-scale paramilitary operations in Bastar and other Adivasi
regions are cementing the path for corporate access to water,
forests, land, and mineral resources. They also reflected on how the
use of drones and helicopters in operations that have inflicted
civilian harm, and warned that similar type repression could extend
to people’s movements in other regions, including Punjab. They also
cited cases involving Advocate Surendra Gadling, artists associated
with Kabir Kala Manch, and activists and scholars including Umar
Khalid and Gulfisha Fatima, summarising how many have been jailed
under false branding such as “urban Naxal” and through other
“manufactured narratives.”
Speakers further emphasised hat, due to delays in the justice system,
hundreds of prisoners inspite of having completed their sentences
continue to languish in jails across the country. They called for a
more powerful and wider based democratic movement to secure the
release of such detainees.
Resolutions
Adopted Resolutions presented by Jaswinder Phagwara were unanimously
adopted by a show of hands. The gathering demanded: An immediate halt
to all military and paramilitary operations in Adivasi areas,
including “Operation Kagar.” An end “fake encounters,” and
the removal of police camps from affected regions. Withdrawal of
police and paramilitary forces and an end to aerial attacks,
including the use of drones and helicopters. An end to the robbery
of natural resources to corporate interests, and rejection of an
“anti-people economic model.” Repeal of “black laws,”
including UAPA and AFSPA, and withdrawal of anti-worker labour codes.
Dissolution of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Release of
intellectuals and democratic rights activists jailed in what the
speakers called fabricated cases, including those linked to the Delhi
violence and Bhima Koregaon matters. Immediate release of activists
detained for years without trial and all prisoners who have completed
their sentences. A halt to privatisation and immediate reinstatement
of suspended roadways employees. An end to state actions that
restrict the democratic right to organise and to protest.
Revolutionary
singers Gurmeet Juj and Dharminder Masani presented songs at the
event. Refreshments (langar) were arranged by the Punjab Khet Mazdoor
Union. The main speakers were honoured with books and an emblem
commemorating Ghadri Gulab Kaur. At the conclusion of the protest
outside Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Dr. Parminder Singh thanked all
participating organisations and supporters on behalf of the Front’s
conveners and state committee. The convention ended with massive
rally, illuminating the torch of revolutionary spirit at it’s
utmost intensity.
Harsh Thakor is
freelance journalist. Thanks information from Paraminder Singh and
Buta Singh of the Democratic Front of Punjab
