https://sputniknews.com/asia/201803091062361494-india-caught-statue-war/

Social Fissures in India Emerge Amid Lenin Statue Dismantling Row

© REUTERS/ Amit Dave

Monday, January 22, 2018

Common appeal by Communist and Workers Parties: Solidarity with the people of Iran – No to any foreign intervention

http://www.idcommunism.com/2018/01/common-appeal-by-communist-and-workers.html

With a common declaration, Communist and Workers’ parties from all over the world express their solidarity towards the people of Iran and condemn any attempt of foreign intervention in the country’s internal affairs:

The Communist and Workers parties that sign this statement have followed with concern the recent developments in Iran where tens of thousands of people in many towns and cities across Iran protested against the policies of the autocratic regime.

The protests were against the destructive economic policies of the regime, its brutal violation of human and democratic rights and disregard for the ILO conventions regarding workers rights and its widespread corruption. Young people have been the main victims of the regime’s policies, including more than five million unemployed graduates. Those who came out were predominantly young and from poor working class districts demanding fundamental economic, social and cultural change for jobs, a living wage, dignity, respect and justice.

We have received credible reports about brutal tactics used by the security forces and the regime’s paramilitary militia to violently break up these mainly peaceful demonstrations by ordinary people.  At least 20 demonstrators have been killed and more than 3700 people arrested and taken into custody.  The security forces have raided and occupied university campuses in different parts of the country to stop the student movement from joining the protests.  A significant number of university students not involved in any protest demonstration were arrested at home or on the campuses of their universities. The authorities have claimed that this illegal measure is preventative.

The people of Iran and their progressive forces have repeatedly and resolutely stated that, based on their own history and experience of recent tragedies in the Middle East, they reject any outside intervention in the internal affairs of Iran under any pretext whatsoever and believe that the future of Iran should be decided only by the Iranian people themselves.

We believe that the realisation of the demands of the protesters for peace, progress and social justice is the best guarantee for Iran’s independence and for genuine popular sovereignty.  This is the only sure way to guard against foreign interference in the internal affairs of the country and for the Iranian people to stand firm and united against the machinations of US imperialism and its allies, in particular the Israeli government and the reactionary regimes in Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf States.

The Communist and Workers parties co-signing this statement of support for the struggle of the Iranian people for peace, progress and social justice are united in:

• Condemning the use of repressive measures against civilian protesters which have resulted in at least 22 deaths and the arrest of thousands of protesters and activists. 
• Demanding that the authorities publish a list of names of all those arrested during the protest demonstrations and where they are being held, and immediately release all those detained by the security forces. 
• Requesting that all those held are guaranteed access to legal representation of their own choosing. 
• Demanding an end to the use of all forms of torture. 
• Demanding the removal of all military and security units from university campuses.
• Supporting the demands of the protesters for an end to privatisation, unemployment and corruption – all outcomes of the neoliberal-driven austerity policies of the regime. 
• Rejecting any foreign intervention whatsoever in the internal affairs of Iran and emphasizing that the future of Iran should be decided by the Iranian people themselves alone.

PARTIES THAT SIGN THE COMMON APPEAL:

1.   AKEL

2.   Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia

3.   Communist Party of Greece

4.   Communist Party of India

5.   Communist Party of India Marxist

6.   Tudeh Party of Iran

7.   Communist Party of the Russian Federation

8.   South African Communist Party

9.   Communist Party of Spain

10. Communist Party of Turkey

11. Communist Party of Ukraine 

[The appeal is open for further signatures]

19 January, 2018.

In Defense of Communism

Thursday, May 25, 2017

KKE and PAME express solidarity with farmers and agricultural workers in West Bengal

https://communismgr.blogspot.com/2017/05/kke-and-pame-express-solidarity-with.html

The KKE denounces the state repression against poor farmers and agricultural workers in Calcutta.

The KKE denounces the barbaric attack of the forces of repression against mass organizations of poor farmers and agricultural workers in Calcutta, India, yesterday (22/5). The demonstrators, who had the support of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the West Bengal Left Front, demanded relief measures and marched to the headquarters of the state government in order to hand over a memorandum with their demands. The forces of repression unleashed an assault , attacking the demonstration and journalists, with the result that 900 demonstrators were injured and 100 of them are in a critical condition.

 

The government of the “Trinamul Congress” that expresses the interests of domestic and foreign monopolies in the state since 2011, when it entered office,  has carried out savage repression against the communist and people’s movement, with hundreds of dead.

 

The KKE denounces the anti-people government of West Bengal and the repressive measures against the people’s movement. It once again expresses its solidarity with the militant farmers’ movement of India, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India.

 

International Relations Section of the CC of the KKE, 23.05.2017.

* * *

PAME: Solidarity with the farmers of West Bengal.

The All Workers Militant Front, PAME, denounces the murderous attack by the forces of repression of Western Bengal, India, against the peaceful demonstration of poor farmers and farm workers. The forces of repression attacked the protest, but also the journalists, with water pumps and batons, injuring more than 900 protesters, of whom, 100 are in serious medical condition.

Farm workers and poor farmers in each country are confronted with the policies that serve the profitability of the large business groups. The attack against popular rights goes together with the repression.

PAME denounces the government of Western Bengal for the assault on the people who are struggling. We express our class solidarity with the people of India, with its unions and popular – social organizations.

Αναρτήθηκε από In Defense of Communism

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Communist Parties in India react on the electoral victory of BJP in Uttar Pradesh

https://communismgr.blogspot.com/2017/03/communist-parties-in-india-react-on.html

The two major communist parties in India – the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)– have issued statements regarding the victory of the right-wing BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), the governmental party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh last week.

The statements of the communist parties are the following:

COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA (MARXIST).

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The BJP has won a sweeping victory in Uttar Pradesh getting over three-fourth of the seats in the assembly. This victory has been accomplished by a mix of rank communal appeal and by putting together a wide ranging caste coalition. It was this combination that propelled Narendra Modi and the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in the state and that momentum has been maintained.

While acknowledging the massive mandate that the BJP has received, it also has implications that are dangerous for the country as it will encourage the brand of Hindutva politics which is divisive and harmful for the country.

The BJP has also registered success with a big win in Uttarakhand and dislodging the Congress from government there. It however, suffered a setback in Punjab where the Akali-BJP alliance has suffered a big defeat with the Congress winning a clear majority.

The BJP has failed to get a majority in the Goa assembly while the Congress appears to have lost its dominant position in Manipur.

COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA (CPI).

The Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (CPI) issued the following statement to the media on March 11, 2017:
The results of elections in Uttar Pradesh giving 3/4^th majority to BJP, is a big setback to secular and democratic forces in the country. It is a victory to communalism that was unleashed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the election campaign in Uttar Pradesh.
It looks Modi was successful in making the people to believe that demonetisation was against the black money and rich, though it is otherwise.

The defeat of Akali-BJP is in Punjab, is the result of its corrupt and misrule.

On the whole the results are more anti-incumbency in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa, though in the last two states there is no majority to any party.

The results may cause further problems with more anti-people policies by government and intolerance and communal offensive by Hindutva forces.

The result should be awakening to Left democratic, secular forces in the country to forge broader unity to fight back the attacks on people, and offensive of communal forces in the country.

Office Secretary

Posted by In Defense of Communism

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNIST BULLETIN #4

https://communismgr.blogspot.com/2017/03/international-communist-bulletin-4.html

7 MARCH 2017.

 

COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA (MARXIST) DENOUNCES THE FASCIST PARAMILITARY FORCE “RSS”.

Source: ICP.

NEW DELHI- The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) ( CPI-M) condemned the threats of the National Volunteer Organization (RSS), the fascist paramilitary force, against the Kerala Chief Minister.

The Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was threatened by the  National Volunteer Organization (RSS) leader in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh announcing “a Rs. 1 crore bounty for the Chief Minister’s head”. This reconfirmed the terror of RSS backed by the Hinduist BJP government escalating in recent months. The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemned the threats of the RSS, the fascist paramilitary force.

Only last week, the student wing of the RSS, the All Indian Student Council (ABVP) first disrupted a seminar being organized in Ramjas College and then attacked the students, teachers protesting the ABVP and also the media, injuring several people.

The Delhi Police were protested of neglecting the attack, with the participation of the Delhi University Teachers Association and the Academic Council. During the march the protestors were also attacked by the Delhi Police.

The attacks and threats were condemned by the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demanding immediate action in accordance with law by the state and the central governments. The CPI(M) underlined the collaboration of RSS and the BJP concerning the escalating pressure.

* * * 

NEW WAVE OF POLITICAL PROSECUTION AGAINST KPP BEGINS.

Source: ICP.

WARSAW- The prosecutor’s office demanded a new prosecution against the Communist Party of Poland, accusing with “reference to Marxist-Leninist ideology” and “promotion of totalitarian system”.

The prosecuter’s office started a new prosecution against the Communist Party of Poland (KPP). The KPP and the editorial staff of Brzask were accsued of “referring the Marxist-Leninist ideology” and “promoting a totalitarian regime.” A regional court in DÄ…browa Górnicza has decided to discontinue the legal proceedure with the same accusations last year.

The first sentence over this case was issued last year. The accused KPP members were convicted for 9 months of social works and fines. After the submittion of appeals, the court has decided to disconrinue the prosecution. The legality of KPP and the Brzask were underlined in the verdict. The court also mentioned that “identification with communist ideology is not subjected to punishment” in it’s verdict.

The new case was considered as “ a new wave of attack” by the KPP.

* * * 

CLASHES BETWEEN PRO AND ANTI-TRUMP SUPPORTERS IN CALIFORNIA.

Source: Press Agencies.

BERKELEY- Supporters of Donald Trump clashed with counter-protesters at a rally in the famously left-leaning city of Berkeley, California, on a day of mostly peaceful gatherings in support of the U.S. president across the country.

At a park in Berkeley, across the bay from San Francisco, protesters from both sides struck one another over the head with wooden sticks and Trump supporters fired pepper spray as police in riot gear stood at a distance.

Some in the pro-Trump crowd, holding American flags, faced off against black-clad opponents. An elderly Trump supporter was struck in the head and kicked on the ground.

Organizers of the so-called Spirit of America rallies in at least 28 the country’s 50 states had said they expected smaller turn-outs than the huge crowds of anti-Trump protesters that clogged the streets of Washington and other cities the day after the Republican’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

“There are a lot of angry groups protesting and we thought it was important to show our support,” said Peter Boykin, president of Gays for Trump, who helped organize Saturday’s rally in Washington.

In many towns and cities, the rallies did not draw more than a few hundred people. At some, supporters of the president were at risk of being outnumbered by small groups of anti-Trump protesters who gathered to shout against the rallies.

In Berkeley, the total crowd of both supporters and detractors numbered 200 to 300 people, police spokesman Byron White said. Three people were injured in the clash, including one who had teeth knocked out, and police made five arrests.

* * * 

ARGENTINA TEACHERS UNIONS STRIKE, BOYCOTTING FIRST DAY OF CLASSES.

Source: Telesur.

BUENOS AIRES- Argentine teachers kicked off a 48-hour national strike Monday that postponed the scheduled beginning of the classes in the country in order to demand better working conditions and salary increases, an issue that has been a constant point of tension and cause for confrontation with President Mauricio Macri’s government.

Public and private unions have joined the march, which began at 10:00 a.m. local time in Buenos Aires, departing from Congress en route to the Ministry of Education. Several provinces have organized other strikes since January.

The Confederation of Education Workers of the Argentine Republic, also known as CTERA, and the Argentine Union of Private Teachers announced that despite the attempts at dialogues with local governments, they have not been able to reach agreements with the authorities.

The main point of contention is that the Macri government handed decision-making authority on minimum wage policies for teachers over to provincial governments. Teachers, on the other hand, advocate for salary negotiation at a national level.

The teachers have asked for a 35 percent wage increase to compensate for the high inflation rate, which in 2016 reached more than 40 percent in the country.

The majority of the local governments proposed an 18 percent increase that would be paid in four parts, which is roughly US$16 per month in each quarter term, depending on the level of teaching experience.

In the province of Buenos Aires the government has opted to deduct from teachers’ salaries for every day of the strike and asked for sanctions against the participating unions.

President Mauricio Macri was also set to inaugurate Monday classes at the “25 de Mayo” school in Volcan, in the province of Jujuy, even though teachers announced there would be no classes in that province as a result of the strike.

Jujuy shot into the national and international spotlight last year when it became known after Milagro Sala, an Indigenous activist and lawmaker, was jailed in the province for protesting against Jujuy Governor Gerardo Morales.

Meanwhile, for the first time since entering office, Macri’s support fell below 40 percent, according to a survey by the Center for Public Opinion Studies. The percentage of Argentines who think highly or very highly of the president sits at 38 percent, while those who think poorly or very poorly surpassed 57 percent.

IN DEFENSE OF COMMUNISM ©.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

ADIOS COMANDANTE FIDEL CASTRO- Communist Parties react to the death of the legendary Cuban revolutionary

https://communismgr.blogspot.com/2016/11/adios-comandante-fidel-castro-communist.html

Fidel Castro, former president and leader of the Cuban revolution, died Friday night at age 90, Cuban state television confirmed.

Raul Castro, Cuba’s President and Fidel Castro’s brother, announced that Fidel would be cremated on Saturday. “The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died 10:29pm tonight,” said Castro.

Communist Parties from all over the world react to the death of Fidel / Source: International Communist Press – To be updated.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M).

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

“Commandant-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, outstanding leader of the Cuban revolution, staunch internationalist and architect of socialism is no more.

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) pays its respectful homage to the memory of this towering revolutionary figure who did so much to shape the revolutionary movements in the second half of the 20th century.

Fidel Castro brilliantly led the revolutionary uprising against the hated Batista regime in Cuba. The Cuban revolution which succeeded in 1959 became the first socialist revolution in the western hemisphere. Under his dynamic leadership Cuba emerged from the shackles of semi-colonialism and slavery and built a society where tremendous strides were made to create a socially just society with universal education, health care, food provisioning, women’s rights and racial equality.

Fidel Castro as President of the Cuban State and as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba provided the leadership for this revolutionary transformation.

Fidel Castro, the intrepid revolutionary, drew the ire of the biggest imperialist power, the USA, just 90 miles away. For five decades, Fidel Castro led Cuba in fighting off the various conspiracies to destroy socialist Cuba including the efforts to physically eliminate him. Cuba continues to valiantly resist the economic blockade imposed by the US.

The Cuban revolution became a beacon light for all revolutionary and progressive movements in Latin America and inspired the Left advances there. Fidel Castro became a revolutionary icon for the third world countries and inspired generations of young people. He played a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement.

Under Fidel’s leadership the Cuban revolution undertook an internationalist role which was truly remarkable. Fidel dispatched the Cuban armed forces to help the struggle against colonialism and imperialism in Angola, Mozambique and South Africa. Under his leadership Cuba continued to render internationalist service by sending doctors and teachers to various third world countries.

Fidel Castro proved to be a creative practitioner of Marxist theory and practice. He emerged as the most eloquent champion of socialism in the second half of the 20th century.

In his passing away an era has ended. But his revolutionary legacy will endure. His life and example will continue to inspire revolutionaries and progressives all over the world in times to come.

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) dips the Red Banner in homage to him.

Communist Party, Turkey (KP).

“We have received the news regarding the death of the Great Commander of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro Ruz. We are in deep grief.

We have just lost one of the greatest heroes of humanity who was raised in the twentieth century. The Cuban Revolution in 1959 was the most distinctive segment of the epoch of socialist revolutions which was started by the 1917 Russian Revolution.

The victory of the Revolution with the guidance of Fidel’s strategic wisdom was crowned with the construction of socialism. At every moment, in each stage of the construction process, the deep comprehension, foresight and leadership talent of the commander-in-chief was involved. His touch could be traced in every detail.  In the eyes of the Cuban people the only hero who made history and was known to be remembered for centuries long before his death, was Fidel. The modesty of his, which is mainly motivated by commitment, characterized all the revolutionary leaders following Fidel. This trait made them an integral part of the Cuban people and played a big role in the consolidation of the Cuban Revolution.

Fidel’s role was unique in transferring the message of the Cuban Revolution in an universal scale, transcending the borders of a tiny Caribbean island. He was the one who made the most effort to inspire the Cuban socialism by inscribing José Martí’s phrase “homeland is the humanity” . Under his leadership the Cuban socialism, not only inspired the people struggling against poverty, exploitation and imperialist aggression, but also became universal by offering generous support to every corner of the world. 

Now, in his absence, the Cuban people will carry on the path of socialism not by attaching its destiny to a leader’s physical presence, but by preserving the achievements of that leader’s lifelong struggle. . 

And we, the members of the international communist movement in Turkey, will fulfill our duty in our region to realize Fidel’s farewell words for Che:

“Dear commander, until the victory, forever!”

Communist Party, Turkey”.

Hungarian Workers’ Party (MUNKASPART).

“Hasta La Victoria Sempre! 

 

According to the Cuban News Agency Communication of 25 November, Fidel Castro Ruz, the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, died at the age of 90.

Fidel Castro Ruz was one of the legendary personalities of the Cuban and the international communist and workers’ movement. In 1959, revolutionaries overthrew Cuban dictatorship which was supported by a group of Americans, gained independence and launched socialism in Cuba. For decades he has successfully defended the Cuban revolution and the Cuban socialism against the USA’s military, economic and political attacks. Under his leadership, full employment, free health care and free education have been created for the Cuban people.

 

Fidel Castro Ruz was a friend to the Hungarian people and the Hungarian workers all throgh the decades of socialism in Hungary. After 1989, he followed the Labour Party’s struggle and welcomed the Labour Party delegation multiple times.

Fidel Castro Ruz’s death is a loss to the labor movement and progressive forces of the world. A loss for us as Hungarian working people as well.

We mourn for the  historic leader, our friend and our comrade of the Cuban revolution! “.

New Communist Party of Yugoslavia (NKPJ).

“Comrade Fidel Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, stepped into eternity. In the ninth decade of his life on 25 November 2016 in Havana, the rich and fruitful life of the revolutionary Fidel Castro ended.

 

With the death of Fidel Castro the brightest star of Latin America fell, leaving behind a visible trail as a guide to the roads leading for a true human happiness.

His life was full of struggle against capitalist exploitation, racial and national hatred and social inequality. Name of Fidel Castro has become a symbol of the heroic struggle of the people of Cuba against imperialism, the symbol of the constuction of socialism in Cuba and the symbol of change and resistance against the domination by foreign powers throughout Latin America.

 

With the death of Fidel Castro humanity loses a fighter who stubbornly fought for the principles of freedom and justice. Fidel was a fighter who has his whole life to the triumph of freedom and human dignity. He won all the battles in which he participated. He lost only the last – the one against death.

 

Fidel is undoubtedly a great historical figure in the noblest and highest sense of the word. The man who understood the needs of men. The character and work of Fidel Castro have undoubtedly a bright page in the history of mankind and compelling roadmap that illuminates horizons for future generations.  He was not only a great warrior, and a revolutionary but also a great thinker. On behalf of all the peoples of the world,  he has been a lasting inspiration or humanity with his principles.

 

As Commander Fidel Castro said, “with all those who are struggling, who never give up when it comes to the difficulties, those who believe in the human capacity to create, expand and cultivate values ​​and ideas, those who bet in mankind; all those who share the wonderful conviction that a better world is possible, we will fight together with them and we will win!”

 

The Commander Fidel will always remain in the hearts of all those who fight for justice and freedom, because of their heroic achievements and superhuman effort to defend freedom, the sovereignty of their country and the dignity of man.

 

Dear Comrade Fidel, you will be always with us and be woven to every victory in the progress of mankind.

 

New Communist Party of Yugoslavia and the Union of Communist Youth of Yugoslavia will send a telegram of condolence to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba Communist Youth League of Cuba, as well as the Embassy of socialist Cuba in Belgrade.”

Secretariat NKPJ.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Communist Party of India (Marxist): Another Murderous Attack by the RSS in Kerala

 https://communismgr.blogspot.com/2016/10/communist-party-of-india-marxist.html

Press Statement by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

October 10, 2016.

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the brutal murder of its Paduvilai Local Committee member, K Mohanan, by RSS hoodlums this morning. A group of heavily armed RSS goons entered the toddy shop where the 52 year old Mohanan was working and hacked him to death. There were around 30-40 sharp wounds inflicted on his body. This is the second murder of a CPI(M) worker in the Dharmadom constituency represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Earlier, RSS workers had attacked a CPI(M) victory procession in the same constituency on the day of counting leading to the death of CPI(M) worker Ravindranath.

The Polit Bureau calls upon the law enforcement agencies to ensure that they speedily arrest the culprits responsible for this heinous crime and get them punished.

This heinous murder took place even as a motley group of BJP workers marched to the CPI(M) headquarters in Delhi, purportedly to protest the attacks on RSS workers in Kerala.

The fact is that in Kerala it is the CPI(M) and other constituents of the LDF that have been at the receiving end of the murderous attacks mounted by the RSS and its outfits. Such attacks increase whenever the LDF is in government in the state.

In the short duration that the current LDF government has been in office as many as six CPI(M) workers have been killed and around 300 of its members injured in brutal attacks launched by the RSS. Thirty five offices of the Party have been attacked and destroyed and eighty houses of Party workers attacked and damaged. The sheer volume of these concerted and planned attacks exposes the perfidy that the BJP is resorting to.

The RSS/BJP has always used the goebbelsian tactics of repeating a lie a hundred times and peddling it as the truth. While it clear that is the RSS which is mounting largescale attacks against the CPI(M) all over Kerala, it is fallaciously seeking to portray itself as the victim. This bluff shall be called.

The assembly results have clearly shown that the people of Kerala have rejected the communal politics of the RSS/BJP and their terror and violent methods. The BJP thus failed to realise its expectations in the elections. Further, the BJP is facing stiff resistance from the CPI(M) and the LDF against its attempts to communalise society. It is therefore resorting to such violent attacks.

The people of Kerala and the entire country are determined to defeat such diabolical politics of the BJP.