17th death anniversary of Comrade Surjeet observed in his village
THE 17th death anniversary of Comrade Harkishan Singh Surjeet was observed at his native village Bundala, Jalandhar. Paying tribute to Comrade Surjeet, M A Baby, General Secretary of CPI(M), remembered his relationship with him since his student life. He highlighted the contribution of Surjeet in building the workers’ and peasants’ movements in India. He also mentioned his role in the international communist movement, particularly after the demise of the Soviet Union in 1992.
Baby stressed the contribution of Surjeet in building a strong opinion against the communal and fascist BJP. He stated that it was Surjeet who kept the BJP away from forming the government for 20 years. He called upon the participants to carry forward the legacy of Surjeet and strengthen the party in Punjab to make it as it was during his time.
Nilotpal Basu, member of the Polit Bureau of CPI(M), addressed the gathering and explained Surjeet’s role in the struggle against the colonial British during the freedom movement. His role in building and strengthening the CPI(M) was also applauded. He called upon the participants to reach out to the people with Com. Surjeet’s ideology to restore the glorious days of the party in Punjab.
The Ambassador of Cuba to India, Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, payed tributes to Surjeet. He said that the Cuban people will never forget the help extended during the financial crisis following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the sanctions imposed by US imperialism. It was Surjeet who took the initiative to start mass collections to help Cuba and facilitated the shipment to Cuba of over ten thousand tons of grain/ wheat during the Cuban economic crisis. He appreciated the present leadership for carrying forward the legacy of Surjeet and continuing to support the Cuban people.
Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, State Secretary of CPI(M), addressed the comrades from across Punjab and said that the present government of Punjab has failed to control the law and order situation, curb the drug menace, fulfill its election commitments, and defend the state against the attacks of the central government. He said that without strengthening the CPI(M) in Punjab, the rights of the state cannot be protected. He urged the workers to reach every village to spread the ideology of Surjeet.
Shri Pargat Singh MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, Shahkot MLA Ravindar Singh Laadi, CPI leader Prithipal Singh Maghmerra, Shiromani Akali Dal Vice President Maheshinder Singh Grewal, CPI(ML) leader Gurmit Singh Bakhtupura, and several other leaders also spoke on the occasion.
M A Baby handed over a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh to the Cuban Ambassador on behalf of the Punjab State Committee as a part of the Cuba Solidarity Fund being collected by the CPI(M).
