SFI Condemns Police Lathi-charge On NIT, Srinagar Students

THE central executive committee of the Students’ Federation of India in a statement issued on April 8, has strongly condemned the police lathi-charge on the students of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar. This is a repeat of what we have seen recently in HCU and JNU - use of police force against student agitations.

DSMM to Observe April 14 as ‘Social Justice Day’

THE Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch, in a statement issued on April 11, has called upon the people to observe the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar on April 14 as ‘Social Justice Day’. Dr Ambedkar is a pioneer who strived relentlessly for achieving social justice in the country. On this occasion, the DSMM has demanded the government that it take up steps to ensure the eradication of untouchability, to ensure the protection and development of dalits and pave way for social justice, which were the dreams of Ambedkar and not just confine itself to merely praise him.

JAMMU & KASHMIR: Don’t Make Educational Institutions, Battle Grounds for Petty Partisan Interests: CPI(M)

THE Jammu and Kashmir state committee of the CPI(M) in a statement issued on April 8 has said it is unfortunate that, what was a non-issue, has been allowed to gain monstrous proportions by misinterpretations, unnecessary media-hype and mere politicking. As is now clear the incident occurred in NIT Srinagar in the wake of India versus West Indies Cricket match, as a section of local students raised slogans which were objected to, by the non-locals.

Proposed Changes in Contract Labour Rules Bypass Major Issues: CITU

CITU has opposed the proposed changes in the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Central Rules, saying the move bypass the major issues raised by central trade unions. In a letter to the Director General of Labour Welfare on April 11, CITU general secretary Tapan Sen said the move is not at all welcomed as it seeks to confuse as well as permanently sideline the major issues pertaining to contract labourers that are being raised by the entire trade union movement.

Thinking Together

What is our position on hydro-power generation vis-a-vis environment protection? Kindly explain. Abdul Ashraf, Kozhikode, Kerala HYDROELECTRIC power can be from run of the river projects that have very little, or no impoundment of water, or from dams that impound a large amount of water, and then use it for generating electricity. Run of the river projects have much lower environmental impact, even though the cumulative effects of a large number of run of the river projects on the same river could create significant impact.

Electoral Malpractices In West Bengal

A TWO member delegation of the CPI(M) consisting of Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary and central secretariat member Nilotpal Basu met the chief election commissioner and submitted a memorandum on April 12 to draw the attention of the commission to the extremely disturbing events on the second day of polling to West Bengal assembly elections. The delegation expressed surprise at the statement and the press conference held by the deputy election commissioner of the ECI, Sandeep Saxena. The extremely disturbing events on the second day of polling to West Bengal assembly elections we

Blood and Sweat in Battle for Democracy

BATTLE lines are drawn clearly. Ruling party in West Bengal is now facing growing resistance and determination by people.In the second day of polling on April 11, TMC stepped up their attacks in Paschim Midnapore, Bankura and Burdwan districts. Widespread violence and booth capturing took place in Keshpur. CPI(M) polling agents were not allowed to sit in 110 booths from the beginning. They were forcefully evicted from most of the others after few hours. A woman polling agent was threatened public molestation and her home was attacked. This incident has been widely reported in media too.

Temple Tragedy: Over 110 killed in Kerala

IN the worst-ever fireworks tragedy in Kerala, over 110 people were killed and nearly 350 injured, 22 of them grievously, on April 10 night.Disaster struck the crowded premise of Puttingal Devi Temple at Paravur, south of Kollam, around 3.30 AM when an entire dump of firecrackers meant to be burst to mark the conclusion of the Meena-Bharani festival exploded, killing over 110 persons, maiming many more and causing extensive damage to nearby buildings. The impact was so huge that the glass façade of a showroom in the centre of the town two kilometres away was shattered.

Kollam Tragedy

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on April 10, 2016.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep shock and grief over the tragedy that occurred in a temple at Paravoor in Kollam district, Kerala. More than 100 people have died in the fire leaving behind a trail of injury and misery. All efforts must be made to mount rescue operations and provide proper medical relief, attention and rehabilitation to the victims.

The Polit Bureau conveys its deep condolences to the families of the victims.

No Bases for US Armed Forces

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on April 13, 2016.

THE Modi government has taken the dangerous step of deepening military collaboration with the United States by agreeing to allow US armed forces to use base facilities in Indian naval and air force bases.

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