India - Democratic Front Holds Convention and Protest in Jalandhar Against Killings in Adivasi Regions; Demands Release of Political Prisoners Jalandhar, Punjab

The Democratic Front against Operation Green Hunt (Punjab), on December 7^th, 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