FACE TO FACE

An interview with Pranab Nayak, the Secretary of 'Forum
Against State Terrorism'


Q 1. Why have you formed an organization by the name of Forum Against State Terrorism even there are organizations like APDR and Bandi Mukti Committee (organization for the release of political prisoners) to fight for the protection of human rights?

Ans. We are well aware that there are such mass organizations like Bandi Mukti Committee and Association for the Protection of Human Rights to defend the constitutional rights of the citizens of India and resist the violation of human rights by the Central and State governments. Many of us are associated with these organizations. These two organizations have rendered immense service in defending the fundamental rights of the people. But we have felt that the task of the first organization is limited to the release of political prisoners and the exposure of the government's cruel treatment with the political prisoners and harassment of political activists, and some such activities. The second organization has a wider range of activities and, as its name indicates, it tries hard to fight against any violation of democratic rights of the people –rights which are guaranteed in the constitution of India, and to establish democratic values in the country. But very recently people of India are witnessing with grave concern the most gruesome
manifestation of the terror which are perpetrated by the State on the innocent people and the workers and leaders of mass movement and opposition parties and even on its own employees. Not only that, State is also organizing or helping the formation of private armies to repress the growing mass movements and mass protests against the anti-people policies of Central and State governments. Both the Central government and the State governments of various hues are equally to blame. These terrorist activities of the governments and their sponsored hoodlums are producing fear psychosis in the country. The problem is of such a vast dimension and the challenge is so great that response on the part of the organizations like APDR and BMC seem to be inadequate. It is in such a circumstance that many well-intentioned people of West Bengal and
other states have come forward to condemn deter repression on the part of the state machinery and to help their hapless victims, with that end in view, we have formed Forum Against State Terrorism (FAST) with the active participation of some eminent citizens.

Q 2. Will you give us a recent picture of State terrorism in West Bengal ?

Ans. West Bengal as one of the states of India implementing the policies of Central Government at the behest of foreign imperialist powers and native big capitalists and big landlords is not lagging behind in resorting to repressive measures to suppress the people's movement. The practice of arbitrary arrest, detention and torture including extra judicial killings was rampant during the Naxalite unrest in the 1960s and 1070s have been repeated during the three decades of uninterrupted Left Front rule. Here unrestrained politicization of the police and administration and criminalization of policies have replaced the rule of law which is the basis of democracy, by the rule of one Party. Acting in the party, police is perpetrating high crimes with impunity in the name of maintaining law and order, unlawful arrest, detention and torture of individuals in false cases have surpassed all previous records. The police CPM brutalities perpetrated on unarmed men and women and children in Nandigram on 14th March and 6-12 November under the instigation of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and other CPM top hats have surpassed all previous records. Quite recently during and after the Panchayet elections CPM cadres with the backing of police and State administration have created bloodbath by killing and wounding hundreds of workers and supporters of the opposite party. As in other states, West Bengal government is raising the bogey of Maoist insurgency in Nandigram, Singur and other places to suppress people's movement there against the eviction of peasants from land in the name of industrialization. The picture will be all the more horrible in near future if well-meaning people face to resist the onslaught of the fascist government. In West Bengal, SP of Birbhum has circulated leaflets announcing award of Rs.5000 for information leading to arrest of a Maoist rebel.

Q 3.What are the activities you are going to organize to focus on state terror?

Ans. Organization have drawn up a programme to visit the affected places , investigate all forms of abuse and violation of human rights in West Bengal, offer material and legal help to the victims and apprise the human rights commission. We have also decided to organize seminars, workshops and public meetings within and outside West Bengal from time to time to raise the level of public consciousness regarding the growing danger of police excesses and atrocities we are also trying to build up a network with other national and international bodies interested on protecting human rights.

Q 4. How do you look upon the Salwa Judum? Manipur Government is also trying to organize a similar private army there. Have you taken up any programme to resist all these fascist organizations?

Ans. Salwa Judum is formed in Chhattisgarh on the pattern of Ranabir Sena in Bihar. Recently, another such organization called Nagarik Suraksha Samiti has been formed in Jharakhand. A so called Ganatantrik Suraksha Samity has lately surfaced in West Medinipur district. All these are organized by the governments and ruling parties with the declared objective to tackle headlong on Maoist rebels. It is also heard that a terroristic private army is going to be formed in Manipur. Such fascist organizations are bound to crop up as the people increasingly come forward to resist the attack of the ruling class on their life and property. Our Forum is thinking of forming similar organizations in other states on a war-footing to fight against state repression. You have to give us some time to develop a strong organization on an all-India basis.