People's Democracy

THE Jharkhand organising committee of the CPI(M) has congratulated the people of the state for organising a successful bandh on February 5, against the police firing at Tapasara. It also demanded that the Marandi government resign in view of its unpopularity as highlighted by this successful bandh, and seek a fresh mandate from the people.

The CPI(M) organising committee condemned the brutal lathicharge by the police on a peaceful march organised by the CPI(M), CPI and Forward Bloc in capital Ranchi in support of the bandh. It also demanded strong action against the erring police and administrative officers. About a thousand strong procession was led by Rajendra Singh Munda, Sudhir Das and Shiv Prasad Tiwari of the CPI(M) and Ajit Sen Gupta and Yadugopal Ghosh of the Forward Bloc. When the procession reached the Albert Ekka Crossing, the police resorted to a lathicharge without any provocation, and mercilessly beat up and dragged the processionists. CPI(M) district secretary Sudhir Das was severely assaulted, and he profusely bled as a result. Several others were seriously injured in the police lathicharge. Later on they were taken into custody.

Despite the police repression, Ranchi city observed a complete bandh. Reports of successful bandh were received from Bundu, Sonahatu, Tagad and Rahe. It was reported to the state CPI(M) headquarters that the bandh was complete in several districts, business establishments were closed, teaching in schools and colleges remained suspended, and the banks and insurance offices did not function normally.

The mining work, railways and other transport systems were severely disrupted. In Ranchi alone, about 300 CPI(M) workers were arrested. Prominent among the leaders arrested are Rajendra Singh Munda, Shiv Prasad Tiwari and Sudhir Das of the CPI(M) and Ajit Sen Gupta, Yadugopal Ghosh and Abraham Bhaiya of the Forward Bloc.