CPI(ML) Protest Killing and Terror against Bihari Working People

FOLLOWING THE joint left march in Guwahati on 20 November, district level peace marches were taken out at the call of CPI(ML). A march was held in Dibrugarh on 24 November, participated in also by Left parties, trade unions and civil organisations. Similar marches were taken out on 24 November at Nagaon, Jorhat, and Tezpur and Borgang of Shonitpur district. Almost everywhere women, dalit and cultural organisations as well as intellectuals participated enthusiastically. In some places tea-workers and agrarian labourers took the main initiative in mobilisation. On 25, a dharna was staged at Pathshala subdivision of Barpeta district. Programmes to oppose violence were also taken in Diphu and Silchar as well.

The terrorists could perpetrate violence against Bihari working people mainly on 18-20 November only because of Congress government’s passive support. This became clear from the fact that protection from police or army was not provided to Hindi-speaking communities even when they demanded it (for instance in Doomdooma Jutlibari P.S. and Lunpuria camp). It was only on 20th, that the government imposed curfew that went on for four days.

After the curfew was lifted, on 29 November Party observed “Oppose Killing of Workers” Day. A march was taken out in Tinsukia, the first ever march by Left parties following the outbreak of violence, in which Bengalis, Biharis and tea-tribes all participated. It was led by Party CC member and All India Khet Mazdoor Sabha (AIALA) General Secretary Rameshwar Prasad, Ex-MP from Bihar, AIALA leader Vidyanand Vikal from Bihar, Party Assam State Secretary Rubul Sharma, AICCTU State leader Subhash Sen and others. Marchers demanded resignation of Tarun Gogoi for his passive support to AASU bandh and subsequent inaction in protecting lives and property of Biharis in the state.