People's Democracy

RAJASTHAN KISAN STRUGGLE

Nation-wide Demonstrations in Support of Kisans

S Ramchandran Pillai leading a march at Jantar Mantar

DEMANDING implementation of agreement on water and power supply, for release of leaders and cadres, for compensation to the families of martyred and injured and for stern action against the guilty police and civil officials, tens of thousands of farmers, workers, women and other sections of people marched to participate in Jaipur rally on February 22, 2007. But the Rajasthan government again used the fascist method to suppress the democratic and peaceful protest. The state police stopped the marchers at a number of places on the outskirts of Jaipur and even in some districts. Thousands have been arrested to prevent their participation in rally. Facing all these repressive measures and odds, around three thousand peasants, workers and women entered Jaipur and participated in the rally. Prakash Karat, general secretary, CPI(M), Duli Chand, state secretary Rajasthan unit of AIKS, Hajari Lal Sharma, state secretary CITU and Mrs. Kavita Srivastava of PUCL addressed the rally among others. Later, Prakash Karat along with other leaders rushed to the spot on Sikar road, where thousands have been detained. Prakash Karat, Amra Ram, MLA and president of Rajasthan unit of AIKS, Vasudev Sharma state secretary of CPI(M), Sant Lekha Singh of Joint Action Committee and others addressed the people there.

In Delhi, caders and members of CITU, AIKS,AIAWU,AIDWA,DYFI,SFI from Delhi and surrounding districts of Western U.P. and Haryana, carrying banners and flags marched from Jantar Mantar to Parliament street supporting the just demands of the struggling farmers of Rajasthan. S.Ramachandran Pillai, president, All India Kisan Sabha led the procession and presided over the protest meeting. Suneet Chopra, joint secretary, AIAWU, N. K. Shukla, joint secretary,AIKS, Birendra of CITU, Sonia of AIDWA and Ajoy of DYFI addressed the rally. Later, a five-member delegation met the resident commissioner of Rajasthan at Bikaner house and submitted a joint memorandum for the chief minister of Rajasthan.

Processions, demonstrations, dharnas etc have been organised throughout the country on February 22, at the call of AIKS in support of struggling farmers of Rajasthan. (INN)