Bhubaneswar: Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh Salutes Kalinganagar Martyrs and Vows to Launch Countrywide Struggle Against Forced Displacement.

The Second Day of January has already become an important day for the struggling people of India. On this day in 2006 in Kalinganagar 13 tribals paid supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives to police bullets for defending their rights over land. The brutal police repression unleashed on the struggling people was to protect the interest of a comprador industrial house, the TATAs. The Kalinganagar people gave a fitting reply to the Government of Orissa’s brutal action by erecting a blockade of the National Highway No. 200 from the evening of 2nd January 2006 and have been continuing ever since. People from across India congregated at Kalinganagar on 2nd January 2007 to erect a fitting memorial and salute the 13 martyrs and to declare their resolve to spread the anti-displacement struggle started in Kalinganagar throughout the country with renewed vigour. More than 10,000 people gathered at Veer Bhumi in the small village of Ambagadia, some 15 kilometres away from the nearest railway station i.e. Jajpur Keonjhar Road on the Howrah - Chennai main line. Around 2400 of them were activists from the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharastra, Punjab, etc. At least 2000 people from Sukinda area were unable to attend the Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh because of sabotage tactics of the Government. 

Government Tried Hard to Sabotage the Programme:

30 Platoons of Police were deployed in the area before one week and the same was well publicised. The police vans crisscrossed the areas adjacent to Kalinganagar with the sole purpose of frightening the supporters and refraining them to participate in the Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh. 8 DSPs were posted in the area, the SP, the Collector and the IG camped at Kalinganagar police station since two days. The only purpose was to find ways of booking cases and creating a sense of panic amongst the local population. On 2nd January 2007 the Government stage-managed the celebration of Death Anniversary of the Habildar killed on 2nd January 2006 at his village some 20 kilometres away. The purpose was to divert attention of the people of Sukinda. The collector and other officials attended the ceremony. Many people were unable to come because of heavy police patrolling and the District Collector’s order for stopping the plying of all buses and trucks from different villages of Sukinda area up to Duburi, the nearest bus stop to Ambagadia, from the morning of 2nd January 2007.

Colourful and Vigorous Protest Rally Against Government’s Displacement Policy:

The mass rally started at about 10.30 AM from the village Champakoila behind the banner of Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch, Sukinda. The banners of all participating organisations were spread over the entire length of the rally estimated around 2 kilometres. The rally reached Ambagadia via Duburi after covering a distance of around 4 kilometres. Throughout the rally the protesters shouted several anti-Government and anti-displacement slogans. The prominent slogans were “Kalinganagar Veer Saheed Amar Rahe” “We will never Forget Your Sacrifice”, “No Agriculture and Forest land for Industry, No Land for MNCs and SEZs”, “Save Agriculture, Save Livelihoods”, “We will Bring an End to Imperialist Industrialisation”, “Forced Displacement is a thing of the Past, No more Forced Displacement”, “BJD-BJP Government Down, Down, UPA Govt. Down Down”, “TATA Company Leave Orissa”, “Destruction in the name of Development shall not be tolerated any more”.

Red Salute to the Martyrs:

When the rally reached the Veer Bhumi at Ambagadia the red flag of Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch was hoisted by the 85 year old Narayan Hembrum, the veteran activist of the Kalinganagar Movement, amongst chanting of "red salute" and "long live, long live martyrs" by the thousands of enthusiastic activists pouring in to the meeting venue. Thereafter all leaders of different organisations one by one paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

Endorsement of the Demands of The Movement and Call For Country-wide Struggle:

The Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh was presided by Rabindra Jarika, the Secretary of the Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch, Sukinda, the organization leading the Kalinganagar movement. Amar Banra, a prominent committee member of the Bistapan Birodhi Janamanch, welcomed all the participants. Rabindra Jarika placed before the gathering a brief history of the movement, the demands put before the Government and the peoples’s resolve to continue the struggle against forced displacement and not to leave land for the TATAs or any other industry. Shri Jarika stressed the importance of agriculture for the people of Kalinganagar and shared the plight of those who have already been displaced in the area due to the earlier industries. He thundered “No More Displacement From the Area” and that people of Kalinganagar do not want any further loot of their livelihoods and resources by the imperialist forces and their Indian agents such as TATA. Leaders of the participating organizations spoke thereafter. Hardev Singh Sandhu (AIKMS) and veteran revolutionary leader from Punjab expressed the full support of the All India Kissan Mazdoor Sabha for the anti-displacement movement of Kalinganagar and their demands and called upon all present to work unitedly to strengthen the Kalinganagar movement and build similar movements across India. Com. Gananath Patra, (CPI(ML)-Kanu Sanyal) termed the current round of industrialisation as imperialist loot and called upon all the revolutionary and democratic political parties, mass organisations and mass movements across Orissa to carry the message of Kalinganagar to all corners of Orissa and launch a joint struggle against forced displacement in the name of imperialist loot of Orissa’s natural resources. Com. Prakash Das (CPI(ML)-New Democracy) called upon all revolutionary forces to organise Kalinganagar-type anti-displacement movements across the country wherever land is being snatched away from people in the name of industry and huge projects and lead the same. Shri Lingaraj (Samajbadi Janparishad) while expressing solidarity with the movement urged upon all revolutionary and democratic forces of the country to no more accept forced displacement. Com. Gade Diwakar (AIKMS) reiterated the support extended by AIKMS and vowed to take the message across the country. Com. Vyas Tiwari, (IFTU) made it clear that the present industrialisation drive in the country including that in Kalinganagar is not in the interest of the people of India and called upon all revolutionary forces to oppose such industrialisation and ruining of agriculture in the name of development. Khitish Biswal, (CPI(ML)-Liberation) urged upon the participants to reject the new economic policies launched since 1991 from the days of Congress rule which continued during the NDA regime and also in UPA regime supported by so-called left parties. Com. Shivram, ( Basti Surakhya Manch) reiterated the support that they have been extending to the movement. Com. Tapan Mishra (Lok Sangram Manch), Com. Bhima Munda, a local tribal leader, Com. Arun Majhi (Bahujan Bamashakti) and Com. Baldev Jha also spoke. Shri Chakradhar Haibru (junior) placed the Declaration of the Janasamabesh. The same was endorsed by all the organisations present on the occasion. Shri Dabar Kalundia moved vote of thanks on behalf of the Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch, Sukinda. Com. Santosh, Com. Tapan, Com. Basu, Com. Naganna, Com. Mathura and Comrades from Arunodaya (A.P) electrified the gathering with the rendering of several revolutionary songs before and in between the speeches.

Real Character of the Government Exposed:

Not a single speaker in the Anti-Displacement Janasamabesh referred to the lack of response from the Government Orissa in spite of 365 days of blockade of a National Highway that connects the rich mines of Sukinda with the Paradeep seaport. Thus the people of Kalinganagar and those extending full support to their cause have given a clear signal that no matter how much the Government tests the patience of the people the struggle shall be continued. It is a glaring case of Government not respecting legal methods of expressing displeasure by the people.

The Government so far has tried hard to create popular anger against the protesting people of Kalinganagar. But to the discomfort of the Government and all ruling parties, except for the local touts and agents of TATA company, entire population of Sukinda area have directly and indirectly expressed their support to the road blockade. Since end of January 2006 two wheelers, Cars, Jeeps, Trekkers, Vans, and other small vehicles were allowed to pass through the NH-200 through a small diversion at Ambagadia, the location of blockade. Since 24th August 2006 all passenger vehicles including buses are allowed on the NH-200 itself. The general public are in no way adversely affected due to the blockade. The partial economic blockade that continues even after one year has forced severe economic loss on the transport operators as their trucks and lorries carrying iron ore, chromite, etc are not allowed on the NH-200. The loss incurred by these operators and others put together is estimated to be around Rs. 5 Crores per week. The blockade also means that police vehicles and the police are unable to enter the area. The district collector is allowed inside to handover letters from the Government and to make initiatives on behalf of the Government but has to forego his official vehicle and come without any security.

The tribals of Kalinganagar have been forced into a life of uncertainty. The Government seems to be happy and is perhaps waiting for the right time to trample the people once again. The year of 2006 has been a year of great learning. The true character of the Government is out before them. Thus they are now stronger in their resolve to strengthen their movement against forced displacement.

Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh,

2nd January 2007 Declaration, Kalinganagar, Orissa

1. Declaration Adopted: At the Call of Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch, Sukinda on the day of the Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh on 2nd January 2007 at Bira Bhumi (Ambagadia), Kalinganagar the following declaration is herewith adopted with the consent and support of all the Political Forces, the Mass Organisations, the Mass Movements and all Anti-displacement organizations and over 10,000 persons from the villages of Kalinganagar, from across Sukinda valley, from all parts of Orissa and from across India with large presence from the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh who have congregated here today at Kalinganagar.

2. Salute Martyrs – No More Displacement: The entire gathering of today at the Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh on 2nd January 2007 at Bira Bhumi (Ambagadia), Kalinganagar salute the supreme sacrifice of the 13 tribals who laid down their lives in the police firing on 2nd January 2006 while participating in the struggle against the TATA steel plant. People are, therefore, now aware about the real reasons behind displacement in the name of development. Displacement is alienating the lands of the peasants and taking away the livelihood of the poor. Displacement is converting the peasants and rural poor into destitutes some of whom are forced to become casual workers without any rights. The anti-displacement movement of the people makes it clear that henceforth people are not willing to accept this humiliating process. In the past, Crores of peasants and rural poor in Kalinganagar, Orissa and other parts of India were forced to accept displacement in the name of development of the country, which is actually the development of the MNCs and their agents. The masses of India are no more prepared to give this kind of sacrifice.

3. Today’s Industrialisation is Anti-People And Pro-MNCs and Their Indian Agents: Due to big industries and projects people are losing their lands, people are losing employment and nature is getting devastated. Displacement is accelerating the pace of cultural degeneration of the people. At a time when the poor are fighting hard for land rights they would no more tolerate the policy of alienating their lands in the name of rehabilitation and resettlement. Today’s industrialization and big projects are responsible for destroying the nature and environment, they have very little employment potential and they are being established in the interests of a miniscule minority. This kind of industrialization is anti-people and against the interests of the country. Thus it is the duty of all patriotic Indians to oppose displacement due to big industries and projects. The Orissa government, which is currently boasting that it has prepared the best R&R policy in the country is indeed working in the interests of big industrialists like the Tatas, Zindals, the Mittals, the Ambanis, the Birlas, the Anil Agrawals and several MNCs such as Posco and not in the interests of the state and its people. In reality today’s government has no intention and capacity to properly rehabilitate the displaced. The Kalinganagar people have, therefore, decided not to be displaced. This is now true for the entire state of Orissa and even for the country as a whole.

4. Demands of Kalinganagar Movement Have to be Fulfilled: Today’s Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh understands that from the 7-point demands of the Kalinganagar movement placed before the Hon’ble Governor, Orissa on 6th January 2006 the Government of Orissa has not fulfilled not even a single demand during the last one year. The Janasamabesh strongly condemns this attitude of the Orissa Government.

In addition to the 7-demands the Janasamabesh endorses the following 9-point demands of the Kalinganagar Anti-Displacement Movement led by Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch, Sukinda:

(1) Neither a single person to be displaced because of Industry or otherwise nor a single acre of cultivable land and forestland in the entire Sukinda area should be acquired for industry or any other project. Families already displaced should be given 5 acre of cultivable land.

(2) The Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik, Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadei, the then Industry Minister, Mines Minister, SC & ST Development Minister should be removed from the cabinet and Naveen Pattnaik and Prafulla Ghadei should be tried for killing of 13 Tribals.

(3) The then DGP and Home Secretary be suspended and the then Jajpur Collector, S.P, and Kalinganagar ADM should be removed from service & arrested under section – 302.

(4) The families of the dead and the Injured to be compensated by the Government to the extent of Rs.20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively.

(5) MNCs and Monopoly Industrial houses should leave Orissa.

(6) In the tribal areas the right to development of the mineral wealth, land, water, forest and industries should be given to the tribals.

(7) All the cases booked against the leaders and activists of the Kalinganagar movement and the several false cases that have been booked against different people of Kalinganagar and those associated with the movement should be withdrawn.

(8) The proposal to set up Special Economic Zones in the Sukinda area should be scrapped.

(9) Cases should be filed against the senior Ministers, Government functionaries, local touts, TATA Company officials and their agents who are engaged in several activities against the Kalinganagar movement that includes the act of kidnapping, physical torture of tribals and trampling of democratic rights.

5. Rights of Adivasis To Be Ensured: Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh on 2nd January 2007 at Bira Bhumi (Ambagadia), Kalinganagar adopts the following demands as regards the rights of tribals, which are to be ensured for the betterment of tribals of India, who have so far suffered the worst because of large scale displacement:

(1) All State Governments and the Central Government should halt the process of transfer of tribal land in Scheduled Areas and other areas to non-tribals and restore all unlawful alienation of lands. Stringent provisions should be incorporated into the state and central regulations to ensure this. The State Governors should discharge their constitutional duties in this regard.

(2) All State Governments and the Central Government should stop all Land Acquisition in Scheduled and other tribal areas. All State Governments and the Central Government should publish respective white papers on all land acquisitions (past, present and proposed) within a reasonable time span.

(3) All State Governments and the Central Government should immediately undertake survey and settlement so as to prepare a draft record of rights on the Podu lands and other agricultural lands of tribals. Those who have been cultivating and using the lands without any record of rights should be immediately provided with patta on a war footing.

(4) All State Govts and the Central Govt. should regulate effectively all money-lending activities in the tribal areas so as to stop exploitation of tribals leading to land alienation.

(5) The state Government should stop all kinds of Atrocities including police atrocities on the democratic Movements of the tribals, forest dwellers, and the poor.

6. No Cultivable Lands For Industry and No land to MNCs & SEZs: Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh on 2nd January 2007 at Bira Bhumi (Ambagadia), Kalinganagar adopts the following aims and objectives so as to strengthen the anti-displacement movements of Kalinganagar, that across Orissa and India.

(1) Save Agriculture, Save Livelihoods: According to the people of Kalinganagar and most villages of Orissa and India agriculture and allied livelihoods such as fishing, animal husbandry, forestry are the only sustainable livelihoods for the majority of the people. The Government is unable to provide any other sustainable livelihood after taking away agriculture and other allied livelihoods. Thus the Government can not be henceforth allowed to take away the existing sustainable livelihoods that is agriculture and allied activities which are intrinsically dependent upon land and common property resources such as forests, streams, ponds, grazing lands, etc.

(2) No Cultivable Land and Forest Land For Industry: Apart from protecting livelihoods, the objective of not allowing cultivable land and forestland for Industry is to ensure food security for the entire population of India, which is already under tremendous strain. Thus no cultivable land and forestland will henceforth be allowed to be acquired for Industry.

(3) No Land for MNCs and SEZs: Establishment of Industry and business by the MNCs and establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are against the interests of India and its people. The MNCs are coming only to loot the natural resources of the country and exploit the Indian economy. The SEZs are meant for taking away all the prime land in the developed zones of the country, pay no taxes to the Government thereby crippling development expenditure, take away the rights of the labour and capture our markets. Thus no land would henceforth be given for MNCs and SEZs.

(4) All the proposed industrial projects, SEZs which hamper Agriculture of Kalinganagar, Orissa and India, which are to be located in cultivable lands and forest lands, which are to be established by MNCs and all SEZ projects in Kalinganagar, Orissa and India should be shelved forthwith. Wherever land has been acquired for these purposes it should be returned to the peasants.

(5) All agreements/policies/programmes that have been finalised to marketise water and handover the water resources of Sukinda, Orissa and India to private companies should be scrapped. Stop with immediate effect drawl of water by different industries that ignore the priority of water allocation for the entire population and irrigation from the rivers of Mahanadi, Bramhani and other rivers of Orissa and India.

(6) Immediately stop all police and state repression on those who are fighting to protect their lands, homes and livelihoods and withdraw all cases filed against them. Immediately release all people who have been wrongfully confined by the police and stop further repression on tribals, dalits and other people across the country.

7. Strengthen Other Anti-Displacement Movements: Today’s Janasamabesh expresses full solidarity with the Kalinganagar Movement and the several anti-displacement movements across Orissa and India and vows to take effective steps to strengthen all these movements. By mentioning the names of a few anti-displacement movements as has been given below all those who are present in this Janasamabesh feel extremely proud:

(1) The Anti-Posco Movement (in Kujang block of Jagatsingpur district, Orissa) going on for the last one year have been successful in preventing officials entering into the villages proposed to be displaced,

(2) The Kashipur (Rayagada district, Orissa) Movement against Utkal Alumina that has been going on for the last 13 years, without being cowed down by severe police repression and the tricks of the company has revived once again,

(3) The Anti-Vedanta Movement in Lanjigarh ( Kalahandi District) has recently begun to receive support from different quarters and people are organising themselves to vehemently oppose any move to mine bauxite in the hills of Niyamagiri and the nearby hills,

(4) The Lower Suktel anti-dam movement, the several anti-sponge iron factory movements in the districts of Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, Anugul, and other districts are beginning to gather momentum,

(5) In the Keonjhar district movements against the large-scale iron ore mining projects and the proposed Mittal steel plant project are beginning to take shape,

(6) Movements against several bauxite mining and Alumina projects proposed in the districts of Koraput, Rayagada and others are beginning to take shape,

(7) Movements against the proposed private port in the mouth of river Subarnarekha in Baleswar district and the proposed Vedanta University on the seacoast near Puri are beginning to take shape,

(8) The peoples’ movement against the TATA car project in Singur, West Bengal,

(9) The Dadri movement in Uttar Pradesh against the power plant by the Reliance has led to a situation where the land continues to be occupied by the peasants,

(10) The Anti-displacement movement in Sangrur district in Punjab, the anti-displacement movements in the Raigadh district of Maharastra (against SEZ of Reliance) and several such movements in Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh are beginning to make an impact.

(11) The anti-displacement movement of Gangavaram in Visakhapatnam district of A.P has demonstrated peoples’ resolve against displacement for establishment of a private port.

Resolve For Action: All Political Forces, Mass Organisations, Mass Movements and over 10,000 persons present in today’s Janasamabesh agree to the above statements and the objective of “Save Agriculture and Livelihoods, No Cultivable Lands and Forest lands to Industry and No Lands for MNCs and SEZs” and also agree to jointly take actions towards implementing such a slogan. The Bistapan Birodhi Janmanch, Sukinda shall take the required initiative both at the state and the All India level to launch a joint struggle in support of all the above-mentioned demands, the objectives and the slogans. All Political Forces, Mass Organisations and Mass Movements present today in the Bistapan Birodhi Sankalpa Janasamabesh on 2nd January 2007 at Bira Bhumi (Ambagadia), Kalinganagar shall make full endeavour in this regard.”