NANDIGRAM MASSACRE
Item
- Title
- NANDIGRAM MASSACRE
- extracted text
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RF_DEV_12_SUDHA
Dear Friends.
I am pasting the contents of the letter I have recieved from Sathyu and Nityanand
Jayaraman. both of whom have pulled out of the Environment and Occupational health
workshop that CHC is facilitating, they have also verbally informed me that Thanal
another group that was to participate is also pulling out. the reason for the pullout is the
Nandigram massacre - and their letters are self-explanatory.
We need to ponder over the issues and come up with a sensitive and appropriate
response.
sincerely
rakhal
Dear Rakhal,
16.03.07
I regret to inform you that the Corporate Accountability Desk of the Other Media, and
our coalition - Collective for Economic,Social and Environmental Justice - has decided
to not participate in the People's Health Movement meeting in Bhopal. This is because
the Bhopal meeting is organized by persons directly affiliated to the CPI(M). I am sure
you are aware of the disturbing events in Nandigram. I am currently in Kolkata. The
reports are horrific and the stalinist conditions do not allow any room for verification.
However, eyewitness reports that were conveyed second hand to me indicate that
CPI(M) cadre arrived with the police on the 14th carrying large plastic bags. The bags
were subsequently seen used for shovelling in dead bodies, many of which were thrown
in the Haldia river. Several women, who were reportedly gang raped are also missing.
Even more shocking that the massacare is the response of the AIDWA leader Brinda
Karat and other senior politburo officials, and the lack of moral indignation from other
lesser party persons, including the Bhopal organizers, the silent ones too are guilty ... of
silence.
The CPI(M) has many individuals wha are conscientious and sensitive, but not many of
these have yet shown the courage to raise their voice against the party.
Separately, we are also extremely disturbed and agitated at the CPl(M)s plans to invite
Union Carbide - Dow to West Bengal, roumoredly to invest in the Salim Group's
chemical hub in Nandigram / Haldia. Our letters to CP1(M) politburo have elicited no
response, and the West Bengal Chief Minister has responded cryptically that he, “will do
nothing unethical.”
It would be an understatement to say that we are outraged by the aggressiveness of the
CPI(M) and the vehemence with which they defended their acts of violence against
innocents. In our minds, the CPI(M) like the BJP with its Gujarat Pogrom has carved a
special and infamous place in history, and we invite our other friends to join us in
conveying to the CPI(M) that they are not welcome at gatherings of public spirited people
unless they repent and make amends to the people of Nandigram and Singur. We remain
committed to the process initiated to build a People's Health Movement and are hopeful
that PHM coordinators will exert their moral pressure on errant members and ensure that
PHM's mandate truly embraces the spirit of human freedom and dignity.
Sincerely,
Nityanand Jayaraman
Corporate Accountability Desk
dear friends,
i am sure all of you are aware of the situation in nandigram, west bengal where cpm
cadres along with armed policemen and with the full support of the state government
killed people who are protesting taking over of their land by multinational companies, so
far 28 bodies have been found, cpm big wigs continue to justify this fascist attack.
you are also aware that several of the organizers [both individuals and organizations] of
nha are people closely connected to cpm. i know the people in madhya pradesh are
mostly cpm cadres or members of cpm front organizations, these individuals continue to
parrot what their leaders say. i think the NHA will be a farce if we let the cpm people be
among the organizers, please add your voice to ensure that people connected to cpm are
removed from the organizing and other committees.
looking forward to your response,
satinath sarangi [sathyu]
bhopal group for information and action
Dear Sathyu. Nitya and friends.
----------The Nandigrani situation has been disturbing for all of us and we fully share our
solidarity and sympathy with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the unprecedented
police action. We also share our outrage and disappointment with such events in Democratic
India.
However as one of the key-members of the Peoples Health Movement, in India and globally, we
in CHC ftdR-eppese-vew-think that the suggestion you have made is inappropriate in the given
situation.undemocratic, anarchic and not ver-y healthy al-this point of time, suggestion
The Jan Swasthya Abhiyan is a network of networks bringing together over 20 associations,
campaign groups and peoples movements and includes some organizations that may have links to
political parties, epm-epm-lmk-s-btrt However, the structure, organization, decision making and
process of evolution that so many of us have supported with great commitment over the years is
that of an inclusive coalition focussed on the health of the people. While the relative strength of
different constituents may van from state to state, the strength of a local constituent should not
distract anvone from the essentially pro people and pro health nature of the .ISA. It is inevitable
for such confusion to occur when there is a process of building links with progressive
organisations as well as networking on any issue in India. However, for the sake of Health for All
NOW, it is important to keep focussing on the issues rather than on individuals and organizations.
We feel that the most appropriate response would be to raise and discuss the issue within the
network, with the ultimate aim of the health of the people as the uppermost consideration.ftr-is
quite another matter if in a st-ate-ee-t-we some states some-epm-cpm linked organization or cadres
are-more ii-twrly-ed-er- less-invel-v-etl—>^&u-eanHet-escape thejs reality-when building links with
progressive organizations eiWnetworking on any issue in India. Removing people-whe-are net
directly-involved in Nandigram event is a highly undemeeratie-suggestiem
The National Health Assembly has many sessions where we can discuss the issue in various
democratic ways, to understand the complexity and evolve various responses. During the first
Peoples Health Assembly in Savar, Bangladesh, the Indian delegation along with some others led
a similar protest to oust Richard Skolnik, the head of the World Bankas Health Division who had
been invited to a session ‘World Bank meets the people’. We negotiated a process amidst the
usual emotion and outrage to ensure that both democratic dissent and democratic dialogue be-was
allowed in the Health Assembly.
I We think we need to discuss and dialogue around the issue and not make emotional and knee
ierkhastv suggestions that could themselves be considered as anti-anti-people, in the long run.
There has been a lol of mobilization and raising of expectations of people from all over the
country' (and PHM globally) who are attending the assembly to share concerns and experiences.
JSA symbolizes a very inclusive coalition where diversity of opinion has been respected even as
we evolve collective positions and initiatives towards people’s health. Suggest-iens-e-l-the-sert-you
have-given would be-tetally disruptive Dkrttpi-rng ef-this-lomg-standing preeessr-
In addition to all other reasons. NHA-2 assumes greater significance because the wtde-of range of
issues being discussed over the three days represent all the key challenges that people’s health has
to face in the era of globalisation. This calls for a greater effort at bringing together of people’s
groups, movements and organizations. While expressing our solidarity with people’s struggles
everywhere we would still counsel inclusive dialogue without any forms of finger-pointing oh
any member of the coafit-ien. We also fully respect that individuals who have been invited to
share their concerns on various health issues in the assembly may eheose to interpret events tn
their own wavdifferently and stay away for their own reasonschoose to respond differently, but
we would request all these friends to do so in ways that will strengthen the people’s health
alliance and not weaken it.
Best wishes,
Your 's-Stneerelyfriends al CHC,
Ravi, Thelma, Premdas, Chander, Rakhal, Naveen, Ameer, Asha.
CHC Team.
Page 1 of 2
Dear All,
Many of you would have seen the mails circulating that link the
preparations around the NHA II and the recent very unfortunate and
distressing incidents in Nandigram.
I am not going to attempt an analysis of what happened at Nandigram or the
whole process that led up to it. Not because we as concerned citizens
should not do so. but because that is not really the intent of this mail.
We can, if people feel necessary, conduct such an analysis in the JSA
through a mechanism that we have a consensus on.
But before getting into the substance of the issue that relates to the NHA
II specifically, I would like to step back a little. The JSA, in the last
6-7 years has been an important effort in India at alliance building. This
is significant in a situation where movements are divided in so many ways
in the country. As all of us know, this has not been an easy process. In
order to build this alliance and keep it going has required large
investments by all of us in terms of time, effort and resources. Perhaps
the single largest factor that has kept us going is the perception that the
"enemy" is too strong to be ignored or to be confronted by any of us
individually. To a large extent, in the JSA, while being aware of our
differences and while respecting them, we have been able to keep a strong
focus on our basic objective.
Personally, I would submit that the first call that we need to take in the
current context relates to our perception regarding the necessity to keep
alive this alliance. Clearly, this alliance will not survive any attempts
to "witch hunt" for the "enemy within". I myself would think that it would
be extremely unfortunate, but its not something that we can prevent unless
ALL of us share a common desire to keep this alliance intact. That does not
mean that we sink all our differences or that we decide that we have ONE
position on all issues. But it DOES mean that we have respect for each
other's positions and debate issues within certain boundaries. If we think
that is not possible, then logically we move to the next step of
dismantling the JSA.
Coming back now to the immediate context. Some of the mails circulated in
this context articulate a position that would mean an end to the alliance
that the JSA has come to mean. I am not contesting the legitimacy of such a
position, but only pointing to the consequences. It is for us to decide if
we go along with this position or disassociate with it. I am clear in my
mind that rejection of such a position does not constitute condoning the
police action in Nandigram. But it means that we decide that we still
retain respect for the commitment of different partners in this alliance,
even if we disagree with them on various issues.
Its for us to collectively decide where we wish to go from here.
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3/20/2007
Page 2 of 2
In Solidarity.
Amit Sen Gupta
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3/20/2007
Page 1 of 1
Am it,
I am not clear from your emailwhether you think that JSA WILL break up if we
take a position on Nandigram. It need not if we do not want to and if you are
committed to the larger cause of people's health.
Respecting differences is one thing — coming out of a difference in analysis such
as it is - but we need to at some point of time see that what has happened is a
terrible violation of human rights and dignity putting as some say even Gujarat
2002 to shame (although I do not share the analogy). I am not even talking of
taking a position on SEZ mediated development, the resulting trampling of
worker rights, the lack of democracy, the "sellout" to the very forces of
globalisation and international capitalism which we all have been very concerned
about and so on and so forth.
As friends and allies, we are supposed to point out, indeed it is our duty, when
one of us goes wrong and grievously at that.
I think Nandigram is a terrible blot - coming as it is from a government with
otherwise such laudable goals elsewhere. I compare this to Emergency 1975 where
some of us chose to keep quiet -that is if we as JSA keep quiet.
Sincerely,
Chinu Srinivasan
mhtml:mid://00000050/
3/20/2007
Dear Amit and friends.
Like all of you. we are deeply distressed with the unfortunate incidents at Nandigram and have
been receiving messages telephonically and by email from various friends and CHC contacts
including Sathyu, Nity and others, who had been invited to the Environment and Health
Workshop at NHA-2. We had an urgent meeting of the CHC team this morning and we have
taken the following action.
I) We have written to Satyu and Nity, sharing with them our distress at the unfortunate
incidents, but have clearly taken a stand that their suggestion for action is undemocratic,
anarchic and unhealthy. We have defended the inclusive nature of our coalition and have
rejected emotional and hasty decision-making, emphasizing that JSA respects diversity,
as we evolve collective position, and there is need for greater solidarity rather than
finger-pointing and disruptive action. While we respect their decision to stay away, we
have requested them to do so in ways that will strengthen the people’s alliance and not
weaken it.
2) We would like to respond to Amit’s email by assuring JSA of our commitment to
solidarity and alliance building, not only at NHA-2, but beyond it as well. And we are
willing to join any efforts to emphasize this collectivity, including preventing disruption
ofNHA-2..
3) We also believe that we should look at Nandigram, Chhattisgarh and other acts of
violence and conflicts as representative of deeper dynamics in our social-economicpolilical milieu which have a bearing on health, and take JSA stands and initiatives even
while respecting the diversity and plurality of JSA. This needs to be based on facts and
evidence gathered and analysed collectively, without succumbing to knee-jerk reactions.
As Amit has pointed out these initiatives will “have to respect each other’s positions and
debate issues within certain boundaries”. A suitable occasion should be found whenever
feasible.
In solidarity,
Ravi, Thelma, Premdas, Chander, Rakhal, Naveen, Ameer, Asha.
CHC team
Dear Friends,
Greetings from CHC!
The recent events at Nandigram are extermelv distressing, and its occurrence in democratic India
is a shame. JSA constituents involved in the SEZ issue as well as invitees to the workshop have
raised the issue through emails and phone calls.
Given the timing of the unfortunate incident so close to NHA2. and the fact that over 1200 health
activists from all over the country will be assembling in Bhopal for the NHA2, it is important to
use this opportunity to evolve an adequate and comprehensive response. This response should
keep the health of the people as the foremost consideration, in keeping with the aims and
objectives of the JSA. Moreover, like all the previous endeavours, the response should be evolved
through a democratic process, where the issue takes precedence over individuals and
organizations and their affiliations.
The SEZ issue, state sponsored violence, and indeed all forms of violence are health problems,
and thus the need for a JSA response is obvious.
The withdrawal of individual participants and their call for the removal of certain JSA
constituents must be taken for what they are, the opinion of a group of individuals whose work
we value enough to invite them to speak at our assembly. The final stand of JSA on this issue and
the process to evolve this stand has to be done within the framework and aims and objectives of
JSA.
In solidarity
Dear friends.
In the context of the recent mails concerning the Nandigram firing and NHA-2, we have
the following responses and suggestions in our personal capacity:
a. Firstly, we personally would like to express our strong condemnation of the firing in
Nandigram, which has led to at least 14 persons losing their lives, and injuries and major
distress to many others. We feel that such situations should be resolved through sustained
democratic, political dialogue.
b. Secondly, after some reflection we feel that despite the gravity of the incident, we do
not feel that NHA-2 is an appropriate platform, or as of now ISA is an appropriate forum
to resolve this issue. There are two reasons for this - firstly so far in the JSA coalition
while we have responded to developments which are directly related to health policy,
health systems and key health determinants, we have generally not had a tradition of
responding as JSA to the many larger socio-political developments (although many of us
might have responded to these individually or through other forums) - a few examples of
such major incidents being the Iraq invasion, Mumbai bomb blasts, police atrocities in
Kashmir and the North-east, Salwa Judum related killings in Chhattisgarh, Khairlanji
massacre of Dalits, police firing and atrocities on those protesting against SEZs in Dadri
(U.P) and Mann (Maharashtra) etc. etc. We can collectively decide to now depart from
this tradition, but that would require at least a basic consensus in JSA for this, also some
understanding about what kind of broader socio-political issues JSA will be responding to
as a body in the future.
Also, in a broad coalition like JSA, there is not likely to be unanimous consensus that the
Nandigram issue be taken up or added to the agenda for discussion during NHA-2.; we
know that there are likely to be significantly differing opinions on this issue within JSA.
c. Having said this, we suggest that as concerned citizens, we could definitely find ways
of expressing concern on this issue that do not disrupt the proceedings during NHA-2.
For example, all those who are concerned about this development may decide to organise
a separate discussion on this incident at a different venue in Bhopal on one of the
evenings between 23rd and 25lh March, and might invite everyone to discuss the issue.
Similarly there might be other forms of expressing concern and anguish while continuing
'democratic dialogue’ within the JSA coalition.
d. Finally, we would like to suggest as a significant point for future discussion within
JSA - the issue of Public health impact of SEZs and large industrial enclaves. As we seek
to 'defend people’s health in the era of globalisation’, we need to recognise that SEZs and
similar industrial enclaves which permanently and irreversibly displace people in large
numbers, often without any planned rehabilitation programme, are likely to become an
increasingly important social issue with its own public health impacts in the coming
period. Further given the waiver of environmental controls and doubtful status of Public
health services within SEZs, we feel that a thorough discussion on this within JSA would
be a valid exercise. We could plan such analysis and exchange in the near future, if it is
accepted as a valid concern in JSA.
To conclude, we feel that the incidents at Nandigram are deeply unfortunate, and are
likely to have their reflection in certain differences of opinion within JSA, which are
unavoidable. Nevertheless, if we recognise the value of continuing the JSA coalition
which includes members of various socio-political persuasions, we need to decide about
which kind of issues we can fruitfully discuss and hope to resolve within the broad
coalition that JSA is today, and which issues are better addressed in other ways, aside
from the JSA platform.
With regards,
Abhay and Anant
Dear Dr. Ravi
I feel the letter is OK , It can go immediately. Good that you have given the example of how the
World Bank issue in Dhaka was handled.
Regards
Chander
Dear Sathyu. Nit) a and friends.
The Nandigram situation has been disturbing for all of us and we fully share our solidarity and
sympathy with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the unprecedented police action.
We also share our outrage and disappointment with such events in Democratic India. However as
one of the members of the Peoples Health Movement, in India and globally, we in CHC think that
the suggestion you have made is undemocratic, anarchic and not very healthy at this point of
time.
The Jan Swasthya Abhiyan is a network of networks bringing together over 20 associations,
campaign groups and peoples movements and includes some organizations that may have cpm
links but the structure, organization, decision making and process of evolution that so many of us
have supported with great commitment over the years is that of an inclusive coalition. It is quite
another matter if in some states cpm linked organization or cadres are more involved or less
involved. You cannot escape this reality when building links with progressive organizations or
networking on any issue in India. Removing people who are not directly involved in Nandigram
event is a highly undemocratic suggestion.
The National Health Assembly has many sessions where we can discuss the issue in various
democratic ways, to understand the complexity and evolve various responses. During the first
Peoples Health Assembly in Savar, Bangladesh, the Indian delegation along with some others led
a similar protest to oust Richard Skolnik, the head of the World Bank’s Health Division who had
been invited to a session "World Bank meets the people’. We negotiated a process amidst the
usual emotion and outrage to ensure that both democratic dissent and democratic dialogue was
allowed in the Health Assembly.
We think we need to discuss and dialogue around the issue and not make emotional and hasty
suggestions that could themselves be considered as anti-people, in the long run. There has been a
lol of mobilization and raising of expectations of people from all over the country (and PHM
globally) who are attending the assembly to share concerns and experiences. JSA symbolizes a
very inclusive coalition where diversity of opinion has been respected even as we evolve
collective positions and initiatives towards people’s health. Suggestions of the sort you have
given would be totally disruptive of this long standing process.
In addition to all other reasons, NHA-2 assumes greater significance because the wide of range of
issues being discussed over the three days represent all the key challenges that people’s health has
to face in the era of globalisation. This calls for a greater effort at bringing together of people’s
groups, movements and organizations. While expressing our solidarity with people’s struggles
everywhere we would still counsel inclusive dialogue without any forms of finger-pointing on
any member of the coalition. We also fully respect that individuals who have been invited to
share their concerns on various health issues in the assembly may choose to interpret events in
their own way and stay away for their own reasons, but we would request all these friends to do
so in ways that will strengthen the people’s health alliance and not weaken it.
Best wishes.
Your friends at CHC,
Ravi, Thelma, Premdas, Chander, Rakhal, Naveen, Ameer, Asha.
CHC Team.
Page 1 of 4
Ravi Narayan
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"rakhal & subha" <subharakhal@gmail.com>
"Community Health Cell" <chc@sochara.org>, "ravi narayan" <ravi@phmovement.org>; "Ameer
Khan" <vijayameer25@rediffmail.com>; "Asha Thotta" <thotta.asha@gmail.com>; "Eddie
Premdas" <premdas@sochara.org>; "Premdas E.P." <e.premdas@gmail.com>; "abhay shukla"
<abhayseema@vsnl.com>
Thursday, March 15, 2007 7:18 PM
Fw: Appeal from Nandigram
Original Message —
From: Sanjay Sangvai
To: milmdchampanerkar@hotmail.com ; yamini mishra ; miloon@unv.org ; Mishka Zaman ;
pss@narmada net in , pss@narmada.net.in ; Nava Thakuria ; nba.medha@gmail org ;
nandinioza_deccanherald@rediffmail.com ; Maju Varghese , manisha_m@mail.com ; manthan ; Madhoo N ;
Manju Menon , Malavika Vartak; mitalimathkar@rediffmail com ; Milind Kokje ; milind.murugkar@gmail.com ;
feroze mithiborwala ; himanshu upadhyaya ; rsd@pn2 vsnl.net in ; Admiral Ramdas ; Rohit Prajapati ; rakesh
diwan ; rifat mumtaz ; Justice Rajmder SACHAR , rajanbarrett@yahoo co.in ; sandeep kumar pattnaik ;
samkale@gmail.com ; datebandra@yahoo.com ; satishkamat@indiatimes.com ; Preeti Sampat, sahil joshi; Leo
Saldanha ; san@nytime com ; sarosh_bana@hotmail.com ; Sarvodaya press Service ; debaranjan sarangi; amit
sen gupta , NACHIKET . . Janata Amar hain! ; Amitabh gmail; jathialy@amnesty.org , amit@igc.org ; Aman
Namra ; AMOL , amulya ; arunkhore@hotmail.com ; arvindgokhale@vsnl com ; aruna roy ; Aravinda ; Abhay
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rajivjshah@indiatimes com , Rajesh baba ; Manshi Asher; madhavg@sakalherald.com ; asitmarx sdfdsdf marx ;
smita.nair@expressmdia.com ; Iokpune@pn3.vsnl.net in ; a.namra@mp.bhaskarnet.com
Cc: shravan modak , Mike levien USA ; Mohan Kothekar; swati Mohapatra ; monlar;
moieditteam@googlegroups.com ; Anjali Muley2 ; mukti_sendhwa@yahoo.com ; l_murthy@yahoo com ; Mukund
Taksale , vijaydiwan@hotpop com ; vijaya chauhan ; vijaytendulkar@hotmail.com , Vaishnavi Shekhar;
lyla@vsnl.com ; vishwas kothari@timesgroup.com , V.Chandra, Nagpur; sujit@vsnl.com ;
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benny kuruvilla ; Tultul Biswas ; bahugunamukeshm2@rediffmail.com ; Samar Bagchi; sunayana basu mallik ;
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shrutitambe@vsnl com ; shnrang ; Shriram Lagoo ; shritradmg@vsnl.com ; shridharloni@hotmail.com ;
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Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 7:14 PM
Subject: Appeal from Nandigram
3/19/2007
Page 2 of4
AN APPEAL FROM NANDIGRAM AND KOLKATA/ March 15, 2007
AS CPM RUNS AROUND FOR A SCAPEGOAT, POLICE & CADRES KILL 125 IN
NANDIGRAM MASSACRE: PEOPLE CALL TO STAND BY THEIR STRUGGLE
As the death count of March 14 carnage in Nandigram by the W.Bengal Police and CPM
cadres has reached 125, the people, organizations and activists of Nandigram and Kolkata
called upon all the people , who value the democracy, human rights and equality of freedom to
come to Nandigram and be with the struggling people.
Though the cadres of the ruling Communist Party (Marxist) are blocking the way, the High
Court Order on March 15, asks the government to facilitate the people to visit the area for
enquiry of help. "The people must show their resolve against the Fascist ways of the so called
progressive government and party" said Samar Das, a senior activist from National Alliance of
People’s Movements (NAPM), W. Bengal.
The ruling CPM through its cadres has imposed an undeclared censorship on the media and
people. It is indulging in double crime - first by beating the Nandigram people to pulp and
killing them. But it does not wish the nation or people to see what is happening." Its like
Stalinist days, when you are not allowed to say that there is injustice nor others are allowed to
hear or film it", says Mr.Das.
And the great Red-wash effort is on. Their cadres and their septuagenarian elite are afraid to
own up the responsibility of this police action. The CPM bosses are making the same
statements which a Narendra Modi or Sunderlal Patwa or Sharad Pawar make. Same 'outsider
hand',, same 'Naxalites' and very same Opposition people 'who do not want to see W. Bengal
to progress'.
While the power holders in CPM have themselves ordered the large police contingent with a
planned strategy of carnage on such a large scale, they are now finding everyone else to
blame. If only repairs and 'restoring the civil society' had been their objective, did it need 3000
police force with AK-47 rifles? So they have devised the new excuse of 'people exploding
bombs on police'. They are in power and that power to like totalitarian state. No one in W.
Bengal can go to a Government hospital or school and college, if he or she is not in good
books of the CPM boss in that area. And people making the bombs do not undertake protest
actions.
There was statewide denunciation of the CPM act. Its own allies in state government,
Revolutionary Socialist Party and Forward Bloc called for 'bandh', while the Communist Party
of India (CPI) severely criticized the carnage and the decision to send such large posse of
police. The intellectuals, artists, social and political workers of all hues have rapped the state
government action. The Governor, Mr. Gopal Gandhi, called the killing as " horror" and wanted
the state government to restrain itself.
It is Bloodbath, War on People.
About 125-130 men, women and children were killed by the police and the cadres of the ruling
Communist Party of India (CPM). Many dead bodies were thrown by police into the nearby
3/19/2007
Page 3 of 4
river. The dead bodies of children were thrown onto the trenches dug by the villagers to stop
any encroachment, and they were filled with soil to make roads - like post-Godhra carnage in
Gujarat. According to the people the cadres and police have devastated the Sonachura village;
they killed the people, drove them out, looted the houses and raped scores of women. People
are seething with anger against the CPM cadres. It is bloodbath; it's a war on people " said
Sumit Chowdhury, renowned writer and journalist.
In fact ail the villages are ransacked, devastated by the cadres and police. They have blocked
entry to journalists and other organizations and one journalist was kidnapped and intimidated
to keep quiet. Armed CPI(M) cadres are mixed with the police, fired upon villagers and then
attempted to enter the villages. Another group of party activists cordoned off the entire area
checked all vehicles to prevent journalists from entering the scene of violence. Several scribes
were beaten up. "We wont allow the media to enter the village. So far you were running the
show. Now it is our turn," East Midnapur CPM chief and M.P. Lakshman Seth said bluntly.
On March 14, over a 2000-strong police force armed with AK 47 rifles attempted to enter
Nandigram, which has been cut off from the rest of the state for over two months now by
villagers resisting land acquisition for setting up an SEZ. The first barricade was put up by
women and children who resisted the police from entering the villages. The police fired tear
gas shells and then rubber bullets and finally live cartridges.
The sudden raid came as a surprise for the villagers as they started running here and there to
maintain a safe distance. It was a horrific sight as armed policemen were seen dragging
villagers out of their houses and beating them.
"It is like a war. I don't know where my family members are. I never expected such an attack
from the policemen," Saber, one of the villagers of Gorchakraberia said. Around 10 am the
entire area turned into a battlefield. "I can see every were bodies are scattered all over paddy
field smeared with blood. Those who were injured are screaming for help but instead of
providing any aid policemen were seen kicking them with their boots," Ehsan one of the local
villagers told a journalist over telephone.
Nandigram, Tamluk hospitals were ill-equipped to treat this barrage of injured people. Most of
the victims are women and children (in school uniform too). Many contacts in Nandigram are
putting the number of injured above 200. All these people were brought to the hospitals by the
relatives and neighbors. Police on the spot have not helped even a single victim to avail
medical help. There are many more injured lying in the interior villages, unable to move out for
want of any means of transport and also for apprehension of getting killed if found by the
marauders.
The Plan
The plan to push in police into the trouble-torn and tense area was chalked out by the CPI(M)
top brass last Saturday. They were under pressure from the East Midnapur unit of the party led
by MP Lakshman Seth who felt that the CPI(M) would permanently lose ground in the area
unless barricades were removed and 'normalcy' was restored in Nandigram. A large section of
the CPl(M) secretariat was also of the same view and felt that the manner villagers were
keeping the administration paralyzed for over two months was creating a bad precedent.
According to the strategy, the police was asked to remove resistance, enter the villages and
'restore law of the land'. They were to be followed by CPI(M) activists, who would "reinstall civil
society" in Nandigram. According to Samar Das, unprecedented police force - more than
3000, came on the periphery of Nandigram, " Police were drawn from all districts in Bengal.
3/19/2007
Page 4 of 4
They have what they wanted to do. Now, we must be here, to be with the Nandigram people from all over India. "
"No one is 'outsier' here. All are Indians and human beings. It is mischievous on part of
Buddnadeb, Biman BAsu and their Sitaram Yechry to all others as outsiders. A true Marxist
would never call anyone like that. Ask Sitaram Yechury, an M.P. from Bengal, where he is
from? The CPM is becoming offenive out of its guilt complex" said Manav Kamnble, a
prominent Dalit social activist in Pune, while addressing a meeting held on on March 15 to
condemn the Nandigram carnage and announce Action 2007 of NAPM.
Similarly, large numbers of activists and organizations protested at CPM office in Mumbai. The
Sarovidaya activists protested in many district places in Maharashtra. These protests would go
on increasing, till the CPM comes to senses and talks with the people.
Sanjay Sangvai
3/19/2007
Page 1 of 1
Ravi Narayan
From:
To:
Sent:
Attach:
Subject:
"Ravi Narayan" <ravi@phmovement.org>
<chc@sochara.org>; "Eddie Premdas" <premdas@sochara.org>; "Subha Rakhal"
<subharakhal@gmail.com>; "Ameer Khan" <vijayameer25@rediffmail.corn>; "Asha Thotta"
<thotta.asha@gmail.com>; "Naveen_CHC" <naveen@sochara.org>, <chander@sochara.org>
Friday, March 16, 2007 5:57 PM
Dear Sathu.doc
Nandigram and NHA-2
Dear Thelma, Eddie, Rakhal, and the CMC team,
I just read the mail from Satyu and I feel the whole CHC team should respond together perhaps
with suggested modifications to prevent any emotional run away reaction. Have just been in touch with
Ajay who feels that all of us from outside MP including National JSA and members should respond.
Call if necessary so we can decide the next steps.
Best wishes,
Ravi.
3/19/2007
Dear Sathu/ Nitya and friends,
The Nandigram situation has been disturbing for all of us and we fully share our
solidarity and sympathy with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the
unprecedented police action. We share your outrage and disappointment with such events
in Democratic India.
However as one of the key members of the Peoples Health Movement, in India and
globally, we in CHC fully oppose your undemocratic and anarchic suggestion. The Jan
Swasthya Abhiyan is a network of networks bringing together over 20 associations,
campaign groups and peoples movements and includes some organizations that may have
cpm links but the structure, organization, decision making and process of evolution that
so many of us have supported with great commitment over the years is not a parly
organization but an inclusive coalition. It is quite another matter if in a state or two some
cpm linked organization or cadres are more involved or less involved. You cannot escape
the reality when building links with progressive organizalions/networking on any issue in
India. Removing people who are not directly involved in Nandigram event is a highly
undemocratic suggestion.
The National Health Assembly has many sessions where we can discuss the issue and
show various forms of democratic dissent if some participants want to do so. During the
first Peoples Health Assembly in Savar, Bangladesh, the Indian delegation along with
some others led a similar protest to oust Richard Skolnik, the head of the World Banks
Health Division who had been invited to a session ‘World Bank meets the people’. We
negotiate a process amidst the usual emotion and outrage to ensure that both democratic
dissent and democratic dialogue be allowed in the Health Assembly. I think we need to
discuss and dialogue around the issue and not suggest emotional kneejerk reactions that
could themselves be considered as anti people, in the long run. There has been a lot of
mobilization and raising of expectations of people from all over the country who are
attending the assembly to share concerns and experience. Disrupting it at this stage by
suggestions of this sort is rather undemocratic. While expressing our solidarity with
people's struggles every where we would still counsel restraint and creative dialogue,
Your's Sincerely ,
Ravi, Thelma, Premdas, Chander, Rakhal, Naveen, Ameer, Asha.
CHC Team.
Page 1 of 1
Ravi Narayan
From:
To:
Sent:
Attach:
Subject:
<premjohn@vsnl.net>
"Ravi Narayan" <ravi@phmovement.org>
Saturday, March 17, 2007 2:40 PM
Nandigram.doc
Re: Fw: Get the CPM killers out of NHA
My dear Ravi.
I here are some professional agitators, professional dissenters who are the bane of civil society. That is
why we are in the mess we are in. Please see attached a letter that i have written which can be used as
you see fit.
Prem
3/19/2007
Asian Community Health Action Network
303 B, Shivalaya
C-in-C Road
Tel. +91-44-2491 9890
Fax: +91-44-2821 6705
Madras 600 105
India
E-Mail: prem_john@vsnl.net
17th April 2007
Dr Ravi Narayan
Advisor, Community Health Cell, Bangalore and
Steering Council Member, People’s Health Movement
Dear Ravi,
What has happened in Nandigram saddens me and is a deplorable exercise of
power b-y-the-so-ealled-ieftist-ferees. History tells us that over and over again,
such events have occurred worldwide, often perpetrated by those who claim to
represent the people. History also tells us that ruling classes, of whatever ilk,
right or left, rule primarily for their own benefit and only peripherally for the benefit
of others.
But of deeper concern is the knee jerk reaction of some people who are willing to
go overboard and throw the baby with the bath water! We condemn what has
happened in Nandigram unequivocally but to bring it into and let it interfere with
positive, people’s action such as the National Health Assembly in Bhopal shows
short sightedness of the worst kind. Professional agitators are not going to get
civil society forward. What we need at this point in time are cool heads which can
analyse the situation and come up with the right answers. What are we doing
about the unacceptably high infant mortality rates, especially among the landless,
socially excluded people? What are we doing about domestic violence, again on
an unacceptable scale? The violence in Nandigram is nothing compared to
these.
People's Health Movement is an inclusive movement that seeks to have what we
believe is a rainbow coalition across the continents. What we need is a coalition
of believers and fellow travelers in order to create a critical mass of people who
believe that another, healthier world is possible with the current resources that
we have. If we start to fight amongst ourselves, the opposition which is
formidable indeed, will treat us with the contempt that we deserve. Our
movement will be marginalised and will come to nought.
In solidarity,
Prem Chandran John
Co-Chair, Steering Council
People’s Health Movement
Page 1 of 2
Ravi Narayan
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
<ctddsf@vsnLcom>
<ajaykharebpl2003@yahoo.co.in>; <cehatpun@vsnl.com>; <chaukhat@yahoo.com>;
<jvarghese@cmai.org>; <chc@sochara.org>; <sundararaman.t@gmail.com>;
<deepa.venkatachalam@gmail.com>; <vakkan2000@yahoo.com>;
<sama.womenshealth@gmail.com>; <aidwa@rediffmail.com>; <narendra531 @rediffmail.com>;
<guhaamitava_@hotmail.com>; <ravi@phmovement.org>
Monday, March 19, 2007 9:20 AM
re: Nandigram and NHA II
I had interned to send the mail below to just all of you as I do not think this is the time to get into a email
debate on the larger list. 1 see. however that Rakhal has already put Satinath Sarangi's mail on the pha
list, so 1 was forced to send a part of this mail on the list as well. Please do consider the suggestions at
the end.
Amit
Dear All.
Many of you would have seen the mails circulating that link the preparations around the NHA II and the
recent very unfortunate and distressing incidents in Nandigram. I am writing this mail to all of you who
are central to the JSA organising process.
I am not going to attempt an analysis of what happened at Nandigram or the whole process that led up to
it. Not because we as concerned citizens should not do so, but because that is not really the intent of this
mail. We can, if people feel necessary, conduct such an analysis in the JSA through a mechanism that
we have a consensus on.
But before getting into the substance of the issue that relates to the NHA II specifically, I would like to
step back a little. The JSA. in the last 6-7 years has been an important effort in India at alliance building.
This is significant in a situation where movements are divided in so many ways in the country. As all of
us know, this has not been an easy process. In order to build this alliance and keep it going has required
large investments by all of us in terms of time, effort and resources. Perhaps the single largest factor that
has kept us going is the perception that the “enemy” is too strong to be ignored or to be confronted by
any of us individually. To a large extent, in the JSA, while being aware of our differences and while
respecting them, we have been able to keep a strong focus on our basic objective.
Personally. 1 would submit that the first call that we need to take in the current context relates to our
perception regarding the necessity to keep alive this alliance. Clearly, this alliance will not survive any
attempts to “witch hunt” for the “enemy within”. I myself would think that it would be extremely
unfortunate, but its not something that we can prevent unless ALL of us share a common desire to keep
this alliance intact. That does not mean that we sink all our differences or that we decide that we have
ONE position on all issues. But it DOES mean that we have respect for each other’s positions and
debate issues within certain boundaries. If we think that is not possible, then logically we move to the
next step of dismantling the JSA.
Coming back now to the immediate context. I am appending below one of the mails by Satinath Sarangi
that has been circulating (which Thelma has already circulated to some). It articulates a position that
would mean an end to the alliance that the JSA has come to mean. I am not contesting the legitimacy of
3/19/2007
Page 2 of 2
such a position, but only pointing to the consequences. It is for us to decide if we go along with this
position or disaccoiate with it. 1 am clear in my mind that rejection of such a position does not constitute
condoning the police action in Nandigram. But it means that we decide that we still retain respect for the
commitment of different partners in this alliance, even if we disagree with them on various issues.
1 will now proceed on the assumption that we are of the opinion that the JSA should continue as an
alliance. I also got the impression that this is a shared understanding amongs most, if not all of us, based
on the telephonic conversations 1 have had with many of you. If such is the case, then I would like to
propose the following:
1) We should not try to “reply” to mails such as the one from Satinath Sarangi already circulated by
Rakhal on the pha list. Email exchanges on contentious issues tend to fast careen out of control and do
more harm than good.
2) We decide that we shall be united in preventing a disruption of the NHA This could mean many
things. Those who amongst us thing it is posisble and useful can enter.into a dialogue with people like
Sathyu and others. It could mean being physically present to prevent disruption of sessions during NI-IA
II. It basically means that our affirmation that the NEIA II should proceed should be visible in our
collective and individual actions during the NHA II.
3) There have been some suggestions that we have a separate session in NHA II to discuss Nandigram.
Personally 1 think that it would be counterproductive as it would be difficult to hold such a session
within certain boundaries of rational and informed debate at this stage, especially given the kind of
positions that have already been circulated (the mail is just one of them). A debate cannot be conducted
if one party to the debate has already been condemned and hanged. But the issue will come up possibly
in some of the sessions. We should be prepared to brief chairpersons of sessions and be present to ensure
that a distinction be made between raising an issue (which is absolutely legitimate) and hijacking a
session on one issue.
Finally I would strongly suggest that we restrict this exchange amongst ourselves, and not extend it to
the pha list, for example.
I look forward to your reactions.
In solidarity.
Amit Sen Gupta
3/19/2007
Page 1 of 1
Ravi Narayan
From:
To:
Sent:
Attach:
Subject:
"Abhay" <abhayseema@vsnl.com>
"community health cell" <chc@sochara org>; "Ravi Narayan" <ravi@phmovement.org>
Monday, March 19, 2007 5:52 PM
Nandigram response.doc
Re: Draft for comments
Dear Ravi and other friends at CHC,
Anant and myself agree with your position that to call for 'expelling' all persons linked with CPI-M from JSA would
be undemocratic. We agree that there is a need to maintain space for both 'democratic dialogue’ and 'democratic
dissent'. We have drafted a letter for the JSA e-group in this context which is attached.
Concerning your draft, the only thing we are not very sure is how a 'Skolnik-type' protest could be allowed without
significantly disrupting the proceedings - however this can be further discussed.
Do let us know your comments on our draft which we plan to circulate on the JSA e-group tomorrow
With regards,
Abhay
| — Original Message
3/20/2007
Page 1 of 3
(»j~A i
Community Health Cell
From:
rakhal gaitonde [rakhal@sochara org]
Sent:
Monday, March 19, 2007 10:55 AM
To:
ravi narayan; Community Health Cell; Eddie Premdas; Premdas E.P.; Naveen; Ameer Khan; Asha
Thotta
Subject: on the nandigram massacre
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Thirukazhukundram!
This note is in connection with the discussion over the week end and draft letter circulated by Ravi to all members
of the CHC team
At the outset I would like to highlight the various issues that need to be identified within what seems a single
issue. While the immediate triggering factor for this discussion is the violence in Nandigram and the letter (now on
the PHM -NCC) from Nity and Sathyu, there are issues within issues. These include;
• Our individual stand on SEZs
• Our individual stand on state sponsored violence and repression of public opinion.
• Our individual stand on the best way to respond to such an incident.
• What we feel JSA's stand should be (our contribution, suggestions to JSA).
• How this should be taken up at the NHA2 in Bhopal.
SEZs
As far as SEZs are concerned, I think in principle we are against these sort of sops to the private sector,
especially when it harms the life and livelihood of the poor and marginalized. That the CPI(M) government has a
much more progressive policy with regards to SEZs has been acknowledged. However I need to study the issue
more before coming up with a more nuanced stand on the SEZ issue.
State sponsored violence
As far as state sponsored violence is concerned, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind about a stand. It has to
be condemned. In my mind whether it is the BJP, the Congress or the CPI(M) it does not make a difference. In
fact if anything given the CPi(M)s claims to being a people's government etc. it is more shocking.
Moreover I firmly believe that this is a health problem, a public health problem.... and definitely needs to be
addressed by the JSA.
WhatJ feel js the best way to respond
3/19/2007
Page 2 of 3
There is no doubt that we need to respond, however I feel that withdrawing is not the best way of responding. We
need to raise protest, and raise a discussion at all possible fora, and extend solidarity with affected groups. A
strong statement from as many like minded groups will certainly help, and i feel we should send one - there are
two online petitions doing the rounds - prabir has put them on the mfc egroup - we can see them and sign them
both individually and as CHC.
JSAs stand
Both SEZs and State sponsored violence are certainly health problems, and there is no doubt in my mind that
JSA needs to take a stand. However I do see the point that there are numerous other critical issues over which
the JSA mobilization has taken place, and this should not become the total focus of all our discussions, however
given the timing of the incident, and the horrific nature of the event we need to take a stand, and a sensitive and
comprehensive one.
I don't believe that the JSA stand should be influenced by the presence of the BGVS or any other group - for the
simple reason that NAPM is also an equal constituent, and such considerations will only fuel further controversy and can be construed to support the allegations of nity and sathyu.
JSA should take a stand independent of these considerations - and our stand should be focused on the issue
rather than the party.
Both Nity and Sathyu are not strictly speaking organizational constituents of the JSA - so their action is merely
challenging - not disruptive. We should give them the freedom to respond to the horrible situation as they please.
JSA should stick to its principles of coming up with stands / taking positions.
At the NHA2
I feel that at the NHA2 there should be space to discuss the issue. Either by arranging a special discussion within
the NHA2, passing a resolution or other forms of innovative, creative but democratic dissent.
However l am confused
• Does it mean anything that so many people (not only nity and sathyu have withdrawn) are seeing the role
of CPI(M) in the JSA as so prominent? While it may be dismissed as their wrong reading of the situation could it also be that we in JSA need to look at this issue more seriously? What in our actions have led to
this misunderstanding - Why is MPBGVS and not MPJSA the core organizer?... or is it? In the hindi
pamphlet - note the contact address etc. given the decision making within the JSA and the inordinate
influence of the BGVS (shared on many occassions) can we blame people for taking this stand? Of course
this should not influence our stand on Nandigram.. . but this is an issue that is concerning me.
• While I understand the great difference between the politics of the BJP and the CPI(M), in a situation like
the Nandigram how does / can one treat them differently? We are refusing to engage with BJP and its front
organizations....This is certainly not a plea for interaction with the BJP.... but I am confused and would like
clarification.
In solidarity
3/19/2007
- Media
RF_DEV_12_SUDHA.pdf
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