Odisha: Cuba Solidarity Convention Condemns US Blockade
A STATE-level convention was held at Lohia Academy in Bhubaneswar on July 26, to express solidarity with socialist Cuba. The economic blockade imposed by the United States, along with restrictions on tourism, power infrastructure, and other technological industries, has severely impacted Cuba’s economy, leading to a deepening crisis. As a result, the Cuban people are facing acute shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and transportation equipment.
The convention strongly condemned the inhumane restrictions imposed by the United States and passed a resolution expressing unwavering solidarity with Cuba. A call was issued to raise funds in support of Cuba and channel them through the National Solidarity Committee. An amount of Rs 10,530 was collected on the spot during the convention.
The meeting was chaired by a presidium comprising Prashant Kumar Mishra, Bishnu Mohanty, Shashi Bhusan Swain, Saroj Nayak, Prabhavati Das, and Minati Panigrahi. CPI state secretary Ashish Kanungo and CPI(M) state secretary Suresh Chandra Panigrahy attended as chief speakers. Bishnu Mohanty presented the solidarity resolution on behalf of the presidium.
Leaders from various organisations spoke at the convention and expressed their solidarity with Cuba.
A call was made to the people of Odisha to organise Cuba solidarity events and fundraising drives across the state. Hundreds of delegates from different parts of Odisha participated in the convention.
A 21-member Cuba Solidarity Committee for Odisha was elected during the event. Janardan Pati and Prashant Kumar Mishra were elected as joint convenors of the committee. In addition to the convenors and leaders like Ashish Kanungo and Suresh Chandra Panigrahy, the committee includes representatives from various organisations, including the All India Agricultural Workers’ Union (AIAWU), All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Odisha Kisan Sabha, All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Indian Lawyers Association (ILA), All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), All India Youth Federation (AIYF), Bharatiya Khet Mazdoor Union (BKMU), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), ISCUF, Teachers’ Federation, and Odisha Shramik-Karmachari Ekta Manch.
It was announced that in the coming days, all like-minded organisations and individuals committed to fighting imperialism will be invited to join the campaign.
