HUMAN chains were organised throughout West Bengal on August 15 with the call of defending secular democracy. In Kolkata, and most of the districts, human chain was observed for 10 minutes from 11am. An oath was read in thousand voices.

In Kolkata, a five km long chain was organised in central part of the city- from Subodh Mullick square to Park Circus. Thousands of people, along with Left leaders participated in this chain. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Left Front chairman Biman Basu, CPI(M) state secretary Surjyakanta Misra participated in this chain.

Addressing the people, Yechury said, there are efforts to destroy the independence which we achieved after tremendous sacrifice. The unity of the people is being destroyed in the name of caste creed and religion. Left will resist these efforts and defend secular democracy. Left will be the ‘sepoy’ of independence.

Biman Basu said, politics in the name of religion weakens the country. That weakness helps imperialism and monopoly capital. The ruling forces at the centre are engaged in determining who are real Hindus while the peasants and workers are suffering. Joblessness has taken a gigantic proportion. The governments at the centre and in the state both want opposition-free politics. This is extremely dangerous for democracy.

Human chains were organised in districts, despite severe flood situation in northern parts of the state.