Haryana women have done the most to fight khaps

Interview with Jagmati Sangwan, AIDWA Haryana State President in Times of India newspaper

Jagmati Sangwan, 50, has been leading the fight against khap panchayats and honour crimes in Haryana. The articulate and spunky president of the Haryana wing of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) - formerly a volleyball player - spoke to Shreya Roy Chowdhury in Delhi:

Has the fight against honour crimes grown stronger in Haryana?
AIDWA has been active in Haryana since 1985. Initially we had a team of 10-15, now we have about 48,000 members operating in 11 districts. Violence against women, specifically violence in the name of honour, and the diktats of khap panchayats has been one of our main areas of intervention.

How did you start work?
We started working with families whose kids were killed or excommunicated by the community. Those days violence wasn't perceived as violence at all. We intervened in lots of cases but because there is no special law against honour killings, in most cases, the culprits got away. No one was prepared to bear witness or gather evidence. But in the Manoj-Babli case - a same-gotra couple who were killed in Kaithal district in June 2007 - it was a different story. Manoj lived with his mother, a widow, and his sister. Women called the shots in this household and this was a women's organisation active in the field for the last 20-25 years. They considered our small force a great support and agreed to fight with us. For the first time there's been a landmark verdict on this issue and with this we have been able to set up couple protection homes. People from all over India have contributed but we feel Haryana women have done the most.

How do khaps harass young couples?
Khaps can tell a married couple with a two-year-old baby that their marriage has violated the gotra laws and they must now tie rakhis and become siblings. If the couples don't comply, their families are ostracised. This was common in Haryana. Families got thrown out of the village, fined for Rs 21,000, hit with shoes, tonsured and urinated upon. Even against these, there should be laws. There are layers to the problem. There are many cases involving adolescent girls. There is nothing to help them. But if they ever slip up or the families even suspect anything, they're killed. In that age-bracket, girls, not boys, are killed regularly. Schoolteachers in our group report disappearance of students. Questioned, families say things like the girl had stomach ache and died. There's such strong acceptance of these actions that no one complains. In case of inter-caste marriages, if the boy is from a lower caste and landless, both will be killed. This isn't an honour issue at all. We have a hierarchical society and its leaders want the divisions to remain. If the youth exercise their right to choose their partners, it has the potential to destroy caste structures. Property will go from the landed to the landless pushing towards a more egalitarian society. That's the real threat; the cause of the murders. Those who understand these implications have, till now, controlled all social and economic structures and resources. Now they are threatened and political outfits depend on them for votes. They don't want that kids use this right to 'choice marriage' because social and economic structures will collapse.

What has changed in the past few years?
The March 2010 district court verdict in the Manoj-Babli case, which sentenced five of the perpetrators to death, sent a strong message that nobody is above the law. The panchayat workers involved have also been punished. This verdict, the way cases are being registered and the construction of protection homes, have all helped. Marriage within the same gotra is in any case rare. This same-gotra wedding problem is greatly exaggerated. A National Commission for Women survey with Shakti Vahini shows that only 4 per cent marriages were within gotra. Thankfully, now girls and boys are speaking up for 'choice marriage

CPI(M) creates history in Bagepalli (Karnataka)

For the first time in the history of the Karnataka State politics, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has come to power in a taluk panchayat by winning the Bagepalli Taluk Panchayat in Chickballapur district.

Ever since the formation of the party, the CPI(M) had not held the reins of administration in any rural local body in the State, although it had won a few seats.

The CPI(M) has come to power in Bagepalli Taluk Panchayat by winning eight of the 15 seats. The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) have won three seats each while one seat was bagged by an independent candidate. In two seats party lost by a meagre margin below 10 votes.

An elated former Bagepalli MLA and senior CPI(M) leader G.V. Srirama Reddy said the hard work put in by the party workers and the people's faith in his party were responsible for the victory. “We had won stray seats in the State. But we have come to power for the first time,” Mr. Reddy told The Hindu.

The CPI(M) emerged the single largest party in Gudibande Taluk Panchayat in the Bagepalli constituency. Here party won 5 out of the 11 seats. In Chikbellappur district pachayat too party has won 2 seats. Party also won two seats in Gulbarga and udupi.

Maoist-Trinamul Nexus: Memo to Home Minister

Dear Shri Chidambaram,

In the light of your recent communication with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, on behalf of the CPI(M), CPI, RSP, AIFB, TDP and JD(S), we, the undersigned, are constrained to draw your attention to certain facts pertaining to the nexus between the Maoists and a major component of the UPA coalition – the Trinamul Congress party.

It is our contention that certain facts have come to light of late which further vindicate the reality of the nexus between the Maoists and Trinamul Congress are in addition to the detailed references appearing in the media during the last three years revealing the nature of the nexus. A synopsis of these reports are appended herewith as Annexure 1.

Additionally, we are also attaching some specific facts about the Maoist-TMC links in Annexure – 2.

Recently, the Trinamul Congress MP from Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency, Shri Kabir Suman, has written a book - an autobiographical narrative named `Nishner nam Taposhi Malik’ (the name of the flag is Taposhi Malik). The book, significantly, has been dedicated to Kishanji – reportedly the Polit Bureau member of CPI(Maoist) operating in West Bengal. In the book, he has given an eye witness account of a meeting held in Trinamul Congress headquarters in Kolkata attended by two individuals – Raja Sarkhel and Prasun Chattopadhyaya – who are at present in judicial custody booked under certain provisions of the UAPA for their links with the Maoists. The concerned meeting, Shri Suman informs, was also attended by Ms. Mamata Banerjee and Shri Sougata Roy who are currently ministers of your government. The meeting discussed of possible intervention in Nandigram in which implicitly the Maoists would also be involved. The Maoists have earlier given detailed accounts of their involvement in Nandigram with the Trinamul Congress through public statements which had never been contradicted.

The media has also widely reported the confession of Madhusudan Mondal, since arrested, and who happened to be the Nandigram Zonal Committee secretary of the CPI(Maoist) confirming this association.

The TMC is, however, now denying any links with Shri Kabir Suman, MP. We are hereby attaching relevant portions of his book with its English translation as Annexure – 3, along with a media report.

We would also like to attach herewith a copy of the statement of one Vikram – a state committee member of CPI(Maoist) – released to the media on 4.1.2011 claiming links with TMC and the functional unity between the Maoists and TMC in joint agitational activities. He has claimed that in the past, the Maoists were not in a position to openly come out with assertions about these links but now the situation has changed. He has further claimed that though he has some criticisms about TMC, he would like the Maoist-TMC association to continue to ensure the defeat of the Left Front in the coming Assembly elections. In spite of some misgivings about the TMC, the continuation of the relationship is important – has been his assertion. He has also demanded that the Railway Minister must resign from the Cabinet protesting corruptions on the Union Government. We are attaching media reports on Vikram’s statement..

We would also like to remind you on this occasion that you had in the past confirmed on the Floor of Rajya Sabha that the PCPA is a frontal organisation of the Maoists. Now that the CBI chargesheet on the Gyaneswari Express tragedy has been filed which squarely charges the PCPA for having hatched the conspiracy which led to the tragedy. This totally refutes the insinuations by TMC leadership and intellectuals close to that party. The insinuation itself was a vile attempt to deflect responsibility of the Gyanaswari disaster further reinforces the nexus between the TMC and the Maoists in West Bengal.

On the question of your description of CPI(M) activists as `harmads’ and your further justification with reference to the term being used by other political parties and sections of the media is not in keeping with the majesty of your office. We would like to specifically inform you that it is the same Maoist leadership who use this word in their interactions with the media and which is caught on camera with covered faces. Video recording of such interviews must be available with the intelligence establishment. To further inform you on the subject, we can add that this term is derogatorily used to describe hapless victims belonging to the CPI(M) activists who are eliminated through cowardly individual assassinations and through their self appointed kangaroo courts as declared in the posters left behind with the dead bodies.

What is happening today in Jangal Mahal – the forest range areas of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapur of West Bengal – is an awakening, a popular mobilization and mass resistance of the people against the murders, extortions, rapes, tortures and all such depredations of the Maoists. Not only the CPI(M) but all those who cherish democracy and rule of law must associate with such a fight back by the common people.

We must also inform you that the day you were reiterating your justification for the use of the term `harmad’ more than one and half lakh local people converged in Lalgarh on the 31^st of December, 2010 to express their resolve to fight for peace, democracy and development in a rally organized by the Left Front.

In spite of the Prime Minister’s assertion that `Maoists are the single biggest threat to internal security’, why do you use the very same term that Maoists use to describe those very people who are part of a popular mobilization and resistance to Maoist depredations? We are sure that the government’s intelligence apparatus must have kept you informed about the success of the joint operations because of the isolation of the Maoists from the people and the role of the villagers in apprehending and informing the security forces about the whereabouts and activities of the Maoists.

In the light of all these reports, we would urge you to spell out what do you propose in dealing with the TMC-Maoist nexus. The responsibility of overcoming the impact of the Maoist violence is not the responsibility of the state governments alone, it is a phenomenon which spans across several states. Therefore, the Union Government also has a responsibility, which you have not only acknowledged but acted upon by taking some initiatives. And, may we add that it is necessary to desist from taking positions which undermine the spirit of resistance that seeks to bring an end to Maoist violence and depredations.

Annexure I

Media reports on Maoist-TMC links

Press Document of CPI(Maoist); 7^th January; published in different news media on 8^th January, 2009

To wipe out CPI(M) from West Bengal, we must work together with all parties of the ruling class like, Trinamool Congress, Congress, BJP etc. The CPI(Maoist) document, headed “Some important problems and its solutions” was circulated to the members after the incidents of Shalboni and Lalgarh. We must get all ruling parties associated as long they desire to be. We call CPI(M) as a Social Fascist organization. Relations with Trinamool Congress and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee must be strengthened.

To combat such Fascist organization we must therefore associate all ruling class parties of India.

[This document was subsequently issued after the land mine explosion in CM’s meeting at Lalgarh on 2^nd November, 2009.]

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 19^th June, 2009

News: They won’t get out if they enter Lalgarh: Kishenji

Without camouflaging their presence in Lalgarh, Kishenji has stated that here in Lalgarh some organizations are also working along with PSBJC. He in this regard has reminded that ‘we were there in Nandigram during land movement along with Trinamool Congress. We however had separate agenda”.

The Times of India; 20^th June, 2009

Things are not the same for Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee when it comes to realpolitik. Because what was fair in Nandigram, is not so for a Party, which is now a part of the Union government. So when Maoist strategist Koteswar Rao alias Kishanji urged upon Mamata to stop sending central forces against the people of Lalgarh, Banerjee dissociated her party from the “politics of individual killings”.

Aajkal; 21^st October, 2009

News: Why Mamata not interested in Kishenji’s arrest?

Immediate after Kishenji asked before media why Mamata were not demanding the withdrawal of joint force at Jangal Mahal, the UPA Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee prompted the claim to suspend joint force from the entire Jangal Mahal.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 22^nd December, 2009

News: Shubhendu calls police rebellion against the state government

Byline: Surajit Singha, Bankura

Snap: Trinamool Congress MP and the President Trinamool Youth Congress Shubhendu Adhikari calls state police administration to organize rebellion against the state government.

Much turmoil had already been resurfaced when the TMC supremo and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee remained silent even after some police officials being killed and abducted by the Maoists. Now the Youth President of her Party himself calls police administration to organize an “insurgence”. He however added that the “Maoist” movement in Lalgarh is nothing but a movement of common people against exploitation.

Aajkal; 3^rd January, 2010;

News: TMC leaders pleading for the release of the detained Maoist leaders

Khoirashol, Birbhum

Local Trinamool leader Ashok Mukherjee demanded the release of the detained Maoist Squad leader Kajal Pramanik and Rakhohari Das at Khoirashol Police station. Kajal Pramanik is however a confirmed resident of Nandigram.

Aajkal; 6^th January, 2010;

News: CPI(M) perpetrating the poster campaigning in the name of Maoists

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee at a press conference averred that in the name of Maoists it was CPI(M) perpetrating the poster campaigning in Kolkata, Salt Lake and other urban areas. No Maoist existed however in these areas.

When asked on Home Minister P. Chidambaram Mamata stated, ‘I am not aware of them he hold meeting with’.

Manoj Verma, Police Superintendent, West Midnapore; 9^th January, 2010

Press Conference

Police had restored more than 120 landmine, ammunitions, 61 firearms, more than 500 rounds cartridges in today’s operation in Jangal Mahal. Being informed from secret sources police raided the residence of local Trinamool Congress and PSBJC leader Keshab Mahato at Boita in Lalgarh block.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 10^th January, 2010

News: Mamata slams Prime Minister; Mamata against Maoists

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee while slamming the Prime Minister sharply criticized his visit to ailing Jyoti Basu along with the CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee straightway from the Airport. She even slammed the Prime Minister for making photo-shoot with the Chief Minister.

Mamata however had recognized the existence of Maoists in Jangal Mahal.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 10^th January, 2010

News: Mamata voltefacing; Kishenji

Maoist leader Kishenji in a statement issued to the press particularly after Mamata Banerjee’s press conference alleged, ‘the Railway Minister is taking opportunist stance as and when required.

Kishenji on Mamata’s punch that CPIM and CPI(Maoist) are all same, slandered that ‘for last few days Mamata had been playing this broken record which the people of Jangal Mahal are spitting on.’ Kishenji in this regard held Mamata Banerjee responsible for organizing Joint Armed Operation in Jangal Mahal. He sated that being an ally in the Union Cabinet, how could Mamata be away from the responsibility of such an order?

Aajkal; 25^th January, 2010

News: Kishenji invites Mamata: Come without Police

I would not ask you about what happened in Chhoto Angaria; you knew very well; you people have too many arms, weapons and your ‘own’ TMC Harmads, what we even do not possess. If you want to talk to us, please come without Police”, averred Kishenji in an open letter to Mamata Banerjee.

The Times of India; 5^th March, 2010

Venkateswar Rao alias Telegu Deepak has confirmed that his men not the CPM gunned down senior Trinamool Congress leader Nishikanta Mondal in Nandigram because he “betrayed them”. Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee had all along accused CPM of killing, though Kishenji claimed responsibility for the murder. Deepak’s statement indicates that no matter how close one is to the Maoists, their friendship comes at a price.”

The Times of India; 6^th March, 2010

Kishenji had gone to Nandigram using the alias of Sukumar, his close aide Venkateswar Reddy alias Deepak has told to CID officers interrogating him. DGP Bhupinder Singh confirmed this on Friday, an information Kishenji had himself told TOI in an earlier interview.

Aajkal; 4^th April, 2010

News: Mine explosion in Lalgarh just before P. Chidambaram starts the visit

Maoists had perpetrated two successive explosions in Lalgarh just before P Chidambaram starts his visit to Lalgarh. Meanwhile the cabinet ally Trinamool Congress participated in a rally overtly along with Maoist platform PSBJC claiming withdrawal of the Joint Force. Local Trinamool leaders like Raju Mahato, Asit Mahato, Tarun Mahato, Krishna Mahato, Kartick Mahato etc. were seen leading the rally. Manoj Verma, the District Police Super, while addressing the press stated that Joint force had achieved a substantial progress for last three days before Chidambaram’s visit when they restored huge arms and ammunitions from Bhalukbasha forest and adjacent areas. They arrested three Maoist insurgents, Lakshmi Mahato, Bablu Murmu, Sitaram Murmu who were engaged in killing CPI(M) workers and supporters.

ajkal; 7^th April, 2010

TMC and Postcolonialist intellectuals after Shilda, Dantewada Massacre

Snap: In a written document placed before the press signed by the TMC, MP Kabir Suman along with Mahasweta Devi, Tarun Sanyal, Kaushik Sen, Sujato Bhadra, Samir Aich, Sunanda Sanyal, Bratya Basu, it was clearly stated that the Police operation against the Maoists should immediately be withdrawn. We support the continuous movement against the joint operation to usher the real change in the state. Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai stated aptly that “intellectuals supporting Maoists criticize police all the time but never utter a single word against Maoist atrocities”. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee after Shilda Massacre fabricated the whole incident as CPI(M) atrocity. Maoists according to Mamata did not have existence at all.

Aajkal; 15^th April, 2010

News: No Maoist in Jangal Mahal

Reproaching the Home Minister P.Chidambaram as ‘Chidambaram babu’ Mamata Banerjee averred again that ‘there is no Maoist in Jangal Mahal’. Refuting even Prime Minister’s order for the allies not to make any statement on Maoists, Mamata Banerjee stated that she would continue with the notion that ‘there is no Maoist in Jangal Mahal’.

Aajkal; 16^th April, 2010

News: Semi-Maoist Minister should clarify the actual stance in the Parliament: Arun Jaitley

BJP leader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley has alleged that a minister of UPA government denies Maoist presence in West Bengal openly, whereas the government continues Joint Armed Operation in that area. The minister should be called upon to clarify everything. He alleged that the Home Minister on the one side recommends the need for joint armed operation but another minister of the same cabinet recommends the Maoist violence. Such a minister is indeed Semi-Maoist.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 23^rd June, 2010

News: Railway relieved from Maoist Bandh: Kishenji

Maoists for the first time relieved the Railway from the Bandh.

After Bapi Mahato being arrested after Jnaneswari massacre, it is somewhere clear that the Maoists are behind the whole massacre…after Jnaneswari incident Kishenji denied Maoist hand behind the massacre; Pro-Mamata intellectuals proclaimed that Maoists were not responsible for the massacre, it was CPI(M) responsible. Maoists also reiterated the same argument soon after those intellectuals…but this had affected public support for the Maoists…As a consequence Maoists decided to relieve Railway from the Bandh to satisfy the Railway Minister…as she was also vocal to them to keep the Railway away from any insurgency activity.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 22^nd July, 2010

News: Mamata to meet PM to suspend Joint Operation

Byline: Roshni Mukhopadhyay

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee decides to meet the Prime Minister to place her demand to suspend the joint operation from entire Jangal Mahal…Political intelligentsia accord that this is not a reiteration of her earlier such announcements…It was the consequence of top Maoist leader Kishenji’s assertion that Mamata talking in favour of ‘Joint Force’, not trying to stop the operation. Pro-Change intellectuals also earlier requested her to stop the joint operation that finally had influenced her to initiate such decision.

But Mamata’s demand, despite her earlier dissent to the joint operation, to deploy central army also dissatisfied many pro-change intellectuals who remained always against any form of operation in Jangal Mahal.

Pratidin; 23^rd July, 2010

News: Maoist-TMC alliance baseless: Chidambaram

“I have no evidence to prove TMC-Maoist alliance in West Bengal or they work hand in hand. But a section of Maoists might have common opinion with the Trinamool Congress during Singur movement”.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 27^th July, 2010

News: No Congress; Mamata only welcome to Lalgarh: Maoists

Maoists would allow Mamata in Lalgarh under certain conditions; but no to any Congress leader. Maoist leader Akash stated that people of Lalgarh would give ‘garland of shoes’ to Manas Bhuiyan or any other Congress leader…Maoists appeared soft to Mamata as she had announced earlier to request PM to withdraw the joint force…Akash reiterated that Mamata in her meeting at Jangal Mahal would say something against Joint Force.

Dainik Statesman; 2^nd August, 2010

News: PCPA not to intercept Mamata’s meeting

PSBJC secretary Manoj Mahato taking on press and media reiterated that PSBJC would not create any interception in Mamata’s meeting in Jangal Mahal. They would rather be interested to know her stance on Joint Armed Operation, Harmad force etc.

The Times of India; 2^nd August, 2010

Mamata Banerjee is going to Lalgarh where her party has a minimal presence. The reason is apparent. When Maoists target the CPM cadre, Trinamool Congress sees it as an opportunity to make the gains in this part of Bengal before the Assembly elections. The Trinamool Chief, the first ally of the Congress-led UPA government, has demanded withdrawal of security forces from the area because she refuses to see a Maoist hand in the bloodbath. Right activists such as Medha Patkar are also planning a stir against the recent killings of the mass leaders by Police in the forests.

Aajkal; 5^th August, 2010

News: 6 TMC workers detained for Maoist insurgency acitivities

Byline: Alok Sen, Bankura

6 Trinamool Congress workers arrested for blowing up a bus and an ambassador in Khatra, Purulia were produced at Khatra Court which remanded them a ‘14-day’ jail custody. Demanding their release however, local Trinamool Congress organized a day long agitation programme at the jail periphery. The six detainees were TMC Booth president Somnath Duley, Janardan Sen, Uttam Chatterjee, Madhu Chatterjee, Arun Duley. With this progress the relation of TMC leaders with Maoist insurgencies had been established. Subrata Misra, the TMC Block President, claimed all 6 detainees as their active workers.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 12^th August, 2010

News: Mamata to comment on Azad controversy in the Parliament

Maoists however had taken Mamata’s comment on Azad as a manifestation of truth. Kishenji slamming Lefts and BJP averred, “They should up their voice against the price rise instead of the Lalgarh Meeting”. Welcoming Mamata’s proposal Kishenji averred, “We still want to have a talk with the government. We welcome Mamata if she takes the initiative. But the government must stop violence before every such development”.

PTI; 12^th August, 2010

News: Chidambaram refutes Mamata’s demand

Home Minister P. Chidambaram refutes Mamata’s demand for Maoist leader Azad’s death probing. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded Azad’s death probing in the Lalgarh meeting on Monday.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 13^th August, 2010

News: Maoist message to talk to Railway Minister

Maoists in a message to media demanded direct meeting with the Railway Minister. In another message to Swami Agnibesh, Maoists demanded initiation of dialogue with the centre. There was however some necessary preconditions like judicial enquiry of the death of CPI(Maoist) Polit Bureau member Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad.

Aajkal; 19^th October, 2010

News: Maoist open letter on Trinamool Corruption

In an open letter to the Trinamool leaders and workers Maoists requested Mamata Banerjee to resign from the central government. Maoist leader Bikram in that very letter stated some problems regarding Maoist struggle to end the left front government. These were:

• Unlimited corruption and partisanship in all Gram Panchayat, Municipalities, Zila Parishads, School managing committees, cooperatives governed by TMC.
• There are many such persons originally soft to CPM have already placed high in Trinamool Congress.
• TMC leadership talking in favour of the owner of a Jhalda factory.
• Railway Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee is working for the people of Jangal Mahal. She only announces new trains for Kolkata people.

Aajkal; 26^th October, 2010

News: Mukul Ray visits dead PSBJC leaders home

o offer condolence Mukul Ray visited the residence of Biswanath Mahato and Pradip Mahato, the two dead PSBJC leaders. This visit has been highly criticized by both the Left Front as well as the Congress leaders. The minister clarified his visit as he stated that these leaders were in favour of change and thus were killed by the ‘harmads’ belonging to CPIM. However, these two leaders were alleged of having a link with the Maoists.

Ananda Bazar Patrika; 26th October, 2010

News: Mukul Ray’s visit faces criticism

Mukul Ray faced strong criticism after his much talked about visit to Bishwanath Mahato and Pradip Mahato’s residence. After the Gnaneshwari incident, Union Home minister P.Chidambaram himself had alleged the PSBJC as a part of the Maoist committee. Thus the open visit of a minister to both the PSBJC leader’s home ignited new controversy.

Aajkal; 10^th November, 2010

News: Maoist leader detained from TMC leaders car

Maoist leader Kanchan Deb Singh was arrested from Trinamool Block President Nepal Singh’s car in Shalbani. Police stopped the car for checking and recognized Kanchan inside the car. Nepal Singh as well as Kanchan was taken to the police station though the Block President was released within no time. Kanchan was associated with the PSBJC arms training in 2008. He was charged with various landmine blasts, looting of police van etc.

Aajkal; 10^th November, 2010

News: Maoist leader accepts his involvement in Singur-case

Maoist leader Ajay Das accepted his direct involvement with the Singur case to the CBI when interrogated. Das has been associated with the Maoist committee for more than ten years. A 9mm pistol as well as a fire arm was also discovered from him. He is also a member of Burdwan-Nadia-Murshbad zonal committee. It is being investigated how a team was sent from Singur to rob the residence of a Bijpur based businessman.

The Telegraph; 25^th November, 2010

News: Maoist Help in Fightback

Byline: Pronab Mondal

Maoists helped the Trinamool Congress foil the CPM’s attempt to “recapture” Khejuri today, intelligence branch officials believe.

The Police Officials said the Maoists had “struck a deal” with Trinamool Congress in Nandigram after being forced on the back foot in Lalgarh.

The Telegraph; 27^th November, 2010

News: Maoists say they are with Trinamool

Khejuri residents today said several “unknown faces” had joined Trinamool Congress activists to guard the area and keep watch on a CPM shelter, prompting Maoists to claim the strangers as their own. According to Swapan Das, a grocer, the outsiders take up “strategic positions” in and around Khejuri after 10pm to keep guard. “Although I am a Trinamool supporter, I have not been able to identify these young people.” Das said, “I don’t know who are they and where they have come from.

Dainik Statesman; 27^th November, 2010, P-1

News: Shubhendu Adhikari’s meeting at Jhargram

Byline: Asok Kumar Mondal

Snap: “PSBJC is not a banned organization; they can indeed organize rally, meeting anywhere. PSBJC is not at all a Maoist organization. Let Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee have that power to ban PSBJC”, averred Shubhendu Adhikari.

Times of India; 21^st December, 2010, P-3

News: Body Politics in Heart of City

Byline: Times News Network

Snap: Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee paid wreath tribute to Sanatan Hembram, the PCPA activist, as accorded by the District Police Authority, at Trinamool Congress Bhavan on 20^th December, 2010. Earlier the dead body was hacked from far away Lalgarh to take around the city. In this regard, Chunibala Hansda, MLA and Chief of Jharkhand Party (Naren) significantly averred, “He was earlier with our party; though I am not aware of his present stance but he never signed for Trinamool Congress. How could they initiate such programmes?”

Subrata Mahato, neighbour of Sanatan Hembram however alleged that PSBJC once led by Sanatan Hembram ransacked his residence for not giving five thousand rupees to PSBJC fund. District Police Officials however held Sanatan Hembram as a confirmed worker of PSBJC, had earlier taken armed training in different Maoists camps of Jangal Mahal.

On Maoist – TMC link: reference from Kabir Suman’s book and transcription from some relevant video footage

Name of the Book: Nishaner Nam Tapasi Malik [Tapasi Malik: The name of the symbol]

Publisher: Mitra-Ghosh, Author: Kabir Suman, MP, Trinamool Congress

Dedicated to: Kishenji [The Top Maoist Leader]

Page 148: Meeting of 6^th November, 2007; The meeting was organized by Krishi Jomi Raksha Komiti; Venue: Trinamool Bhavan, E.M. Byepass. The meeting was attended by Raja Sarkhel and Prasun Chattopadhyay. Both of them are now detained under UAPA, and associated with Krishi Jomi Raksha Komiti as accorded by the author Kabir Suman himself. Besides, Naxalite Purnendu Basu and Dola Sen attended the meeting along with Mamata Banerjee and Kabir Suman too. Suman spoke on the necessity of sending Kalashnikov [AK-46; or AK-56] to Trinamool workers at Nandigram. Nobody intercepted him from speaking.

Video document: Lalgarh Santrash Birodhi Samabesh; 9^th August, 2010; Speaker: Mamata Banerjee, Swami Agnibesh, Medha Patkar etc.

Manoj Mahato: Secretary, PSBJC: What we are doing is correct. We are not a banned organization, nor has the state government banned us. I will also be there in that Samabesh [rally]. We are doing meetings, campaigning door to door and convince people to rally with us. We will go behind the PSBJC banner. We will speak on behalf of PSBJC in the rally, as we are not a banned organization. We are organizing our movement constitutionally.

Kishenji: We are screaming for last few months that there was no need for any Joint Armed Operation or any ‘Bahini’. Chidambaram, Manmohan, Sonia, Defense Minister Anthony are all part parcel of it.

Mamata Banerjee: Joint Force should be withdrawn immediately. Our delegation will governor of the state and our Parliamentary team including our Ministers will meet Prime Minister.

Manmohan Singh: I have always maintained that Naxalism is greatest internal security threat to our country.

Mamata Banerjee: In the name of Maoists, CPM is perpetrating all murder and violence.

Pranab Mukherjee: The left wing extremism is the biggest threat to the internal security today.

Mamata Banerjee: There is no ‘Mao’; where ‘Mao’ in such a number has come from? CPM is the biggest ‘Mao’ in West Bengal.

Kishenji: TMC delegation visited Lalgarh; you have seen that lady police also were covering them. How was it possible?

Mamata Banerjee: This is war against people, what CPM perpetrates here.

Mamata Banerjee; 20^th June, 2009: Chhatradhar was a TMC worker; As soon as I have received information…we expelled him two years ago. [Mamata however visited Lalgarh on 4^th February, 2009, to meet Chhatradhar Mahato.]

Mamata Banerjee; 22th June, 2009: I went to Lalgarh to pay homage to three persons shot dead. I heard that Chhatradhar Mahato had formed PSBJC. I said that he was an associate of TMC but we have no relation with PSBJC.

Chhatradhar Mahato: She [Mamata Banerjee] told me I would always be with Lalgarh movement. I support Lalgarh movement.

Chhatradhar Mahato: in the last Panchayat election I worked for Trinamool Congress; I was even an Election Agent of the TMC Panchayat Samiti candidate.

Manoj Mahato; Lalgarh Rally; 9^th August, 2010: Almost 15 to 20 thousand people are now coming with me. My people are coming from different places. The total amount of people comes around 50 to 60 thousand under my leadership. I will not be attending the programme from the dais, because police will arrest me.

Annexure II

Some Informations on Maoist – TMC links

1. Kartick Deb Singha, S/O Kumed Deb Singha of Jamirgot, Post- Madhupur PS Salboni, Paschim Medinipur an active member of TMC since 2002 and was nominated as Anchal President of Anchal No -1, Debagram GP of Salboni Block Committee of TMC in 2006. CPI(Maoist activists namely Akash, Master, Bijoy, Gopal, Rakhal, Swapan, Singrai Tudu, Swapnadi, LAxmi, Chottu and others met Kartick Deb Singha several times as instigated him to create a base of PSBJC backed by them in Jamirgot, Garrah, Birvanpur and its adjacent villages under his leadership. He tried to kill police on a number of occasions. KAnchan Debsingha and Santu Debsingha both of village Madhupur-Namopara are active TMC leaders have close association with Kartick Deb Singha.

2. Subal Mahato, Indrajit Mahato, Trilochan Mahato, Saktipada Mahato, Karuna Sidhu Mahato, Jogeswar Mahato, Tapan Guchhait were arrested by BSF from Buripala under Salboni PS. Later on District President of TMC claimed that they were all TMC supporters.

3. Gobinda De who was killed in police encounter on 20/06/09 was TMC follower as claimed by TMC party.

4. Dipak Pramanik of Debra PS was kidnapped by CPI(maosit) activists on 24/07/09 from Pidrakulli under Salboni PS and was kept in the house of Sanat Mahato of Lakhanpur, is a local TMC leader. Tarun Mahato a squad member of CPI(Maoist) has also revealed that a number of armed squad member were present in the house of the said Sanat Mahato.

5. In the year 2004 during Loksabha election and 2006 during assembly election Chhatradhar Mahato was the election agent of TMC.

6. On 04/02/09 Smt. Mamata Banerjee went to Lalgrah and visited Khas Jungle, Dharampur, Chhoto Pelia areas and attend a local political programee. She met with Chhatradhat Mahato and other PSBJC leaders.

7. On 20/09/09 police arrested Biswanath Mahato, Dinabandhu Mahato and 8 others from forest area near Baro Kalsibahanga under Salboni PS and from Baghghora village the District TMC President later on claimed that they are TMC supporters. Biswanath Mahato, Dinabandhu Mahato are close associated of CPI(Maoist).

8. Chandrakanta Debsingh of Madhupur under Salboni PS is a TMC supporter.

9. Pronobesh @ Khokan Mahato was a follower of TMC, was arrested on 13/09/09 in C/W Salboni PS. The TMC leaders and followers namely Kartick Deb Sjngha, Bijay pal, Santu Debsingha, Pradip Mahato, and PSBJC leaders namely Chhatradhar Mahato, Sidhu Soren, Lal Mohan Tudu, Pradhyut Mahato, Haradhan Murmu and other 4 armed Maoists inspired him to join in PSBJC.

10. Srikanta Mahato, leader of TMC and anchal pradha of anchal N-VI (Bhimpur Anchal) took active part with Chhatradhat Mahato, Sidhu Soren, Sanat Mahato and othrs in the demolition of Koyma Camp under Salboni on 17/06/09.

11. Dinabandhu Mahato @ Hatu PS-Salboni and Biswanath Mahato we arrested on 20/09/2009 in C/W Kotwali PS. District President of TMC admitted in press conference that they were the followers of TMC.

12. TMC & Maoist organized a meeting on 9^th August, 2010 at Lalgarh. The meeting was addressed by Railway Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee. After the controversy over this meeting, it was reported in the Parliament that the meeting was organized by citizen’s forum not by the TMC or maoist.

But it was recorded in DM, Paschim Midnapore office that the permission for holding the meeting was sought by TMC District Committee. DM also granted the permission against that letter. It is also reported in Lalgarh PS that RPF was deployed in that meeting violating the norms of general administration