Sebastian Rodrigues, a young activist in Goa who has been campaigning against the loot and devastation of Goa's environment and people's land and livelihood by mining corporations, was recently branded as a 'Naxalite' by Goan Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar of the BJP. The evidence? In his blogspot, Rodrigues had carried an interview of CPI(ML) CCM Comrade Rajaram! Rodrigues had been reporting on the protests by people of Manoharpur Block in Jharkand's West Singhbhum district against Goan mining company Dempo, which is threatening to displace two tribal villages (over 4000 villagers) of Dinburlim and Kamarbeda. CPI(ML) CCMs, ex-MLA Bahadur Oraon, as well as Rajaram had been participating in the people's protests.
On 19 June at the Ad-hoc committee meet of the Goa Home Ministry, Manohar Parrikar presented print-outs of these blog entries which according to him 'proved' that Rogdrigues was a member of the CPI(ML), which according to him is a 'banned' outfit! The above events show how the Goa Government and Opposition are both equally in the service of mining corporations and are invoking the 'Naxalite' bogey to delegitimise all protest. While Rodrigues is not a member of CPI(ML), the BJP also knows full well that the CPI(ML) is a recognised political party with an MLA in the Jharkhand Assembly and with a commitment to struggles against corporate loot and land grab. CPI(ML) strongly condemns the witch-hunt of the anti-land grab activists in Goa and warns against all attempts to brand the CPI(ML) as a 'banned outfit'. CPI(ML) stands in solidarity with the Goan people's struggles against land grab and corporate loot. ( Source: ML Update Vol. 11 No. 28 8 - 14 JULY 2008) _________________________________________________________________ Wish to Marry Now? Click Here to Register FREE http://www.shaadi.com/registration/user/index.php?ptnr=mhottag
