Prevent an independent PMI from worsening the tobacco pandemic

Prevent an independent PMI from worsening the tobacco pandemic

In anticipation of the expected announcement on 30 January 2008 of the timing of Philip Morris International’s spin-off, public health organizations worldwide say there is heightened urgency for governments to enact comprehensive laws to control Philip Morris and other tobacco companies.

"The unleashing of Philip Morris International from Philip Morris USA poses the risk that Philip Morris International will become even more predatory in pushing its toxic products to young people worldwide," says Anna White, of the U.S.-based corporate accountability group Essential Action, "An independent Philip Morris International, which is likely to be based in Switzerland, will no longer feel constrained by public opinion in its home country and most important market, the United States."

Altria/Philip Morris is the world's biggest multinational tobacco corporation. Eighty percent of its sales are outside of the United States.

The company announced last August its intention to pursue the spin-off. Today, Altria’s Board of Directors is expected to finalize the decision and announce the timing of the spin-off, assuming required regulatory approvals.

More than 150 public health organizations in over 70 countries worldwide have endorsed a call on governments to adopt comprehensive tobacco control measures to ensure that the spin-off of Philip Morris International does not worsen the tobacco epidemic. Among other measures, they are urging that governments ratify and strongly implement the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, ban the tobacco industry from lobbying or working on legislation to implement the global treaty, and exclude tobacco products from bilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements. A list of their demands is available at www.philipmorrisbreakup.org/calltogovs .

"An independent Philip Morris International based outside of the United States will be immune to even the possibility of domestic regulation in the United States or litigation in U.S. courts,""This has been a real threat to Philip Morris International." said Anna White,

The litigation risk to Philip Morris International was recently made apparent in the U.S. government case against the tobacco industry. In that case, U.S. Judge Gladys Kessler ruled that Philip Morris and other tobacco companies must stop using misleading terms like "light," "mild" and "low" (as in "Marlboro Lights"). The tobacco industry has used these terms to deceive smokers into thinking they are using a reduced risk product, when they are not. Judge Kessler ruled that the prohibition on use of these misleading terms extends to Philip Morris International. If an independent PMI had no connection to the United States, the judge would not have been able to issue this order.

"The World Health Organization projects that 10 million people will die annually from tobacco-related disease by 2030, 70 percent in developing countries," says White. "We must work to lessen this toll, not allow an independent Philip Morris to make it worse."

Published in:

Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India (2 February 2008)

Prevent an independent PMI from worsening the tobacco pandemic

Prevent an independent PMI from worsening the tobacco pandemic

In anticipation of the expected announcement on 30 January 2008 of the timing of Philip Morris International’s spin-off, public health organizations worldwide say there is heightened urgency for governments to enact comprehensive laws to control Philip Morris and other tobacco companies.

"The unleashing of Philip Morris International from Philip Morris USA poses the risk that Philip Morris International will become even more predatory in pushing its toxic products to young people worldwide," says Anna White, of the U.S.-based corporate accountability group Essential Action, "An independent Philip Morris International, which is likely to be based in Switzerland, will no longer feel constrained by public opinion in its home country and most important market, the United States."

Altria/Philip Morris is the world's biggest multinational tobacco corporation. Eighty percent of its sales are outside of the United States.

The company announced last August its intention to pursue the spin-off. Today, Altria’s Board of Directors is expected to finalize the decision and announce the timing of the spin-off, assuming required regulatory approvals.

More than 150 public health organizations in over 70 countries worldwide have endorsed a call on governments to adopt comprehensive tobacco control measures to ensure that the spin-off of Philip Morris International does not worsen the tobacco epidemic. Among other measures, they are urging that governments ratify and strongly implement the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, ban the tobacco industry from lobbying or working on legislation to implement the global treaty, and exclude tobacco products from bilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements. A list of their demands is available at www.philipmorrisbreakup.org/calltogovs .

"An independent Philip Morris International based outside of the United States will be immune to even the possibility of domestic regulation in the United States or litigation in U.S. courts,""This has been a real threat to Philip Morris International." said Anna White,

The litigation risk to Philip Morris International was recently made apparent in the U.S. government case against the tobacco industry. In that case, U.S. Judge Gladys Kessler ruled that Philip Morris and other tobacco companies must stop using misleading terms like "light," "mild" and "low" (as in "Marlboro Lights"). The tobacco industry has used these terms to deceive smokers into thinking they are using a reduced risk product, when they are not. Judge Kessler ruled that the prohibition on use of these misleading terms extends to Philip Morris International. If an independent PMI had no connection to the United States, the judge would not have been able to issue this order.

"The World Health Organization projects that 10 million people will die annually from tobacco-related disease by 2030, 70 percent in developing countries," says White. "We must work to lessen this toll, not allow an independent Philip Morris to make it worse."

Published in:

Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India (2 February 2008)

SIGN-THE-PETITION: Pictorial warnings on tobacco products protect public health

(to read this petition in hindi language, click here)
..............................
Sign the petition:
Pictorial warnings on tobacco products protect public health

These petitions will go to every member of the Group of Ministers in India reviewing pictorial warning provision of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (2003)
...............................................................

Sign the petition here
...............................................................

The Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 in India has a good provision to put pictorial warnings on tobacco products. But it hasn't been enforced, rather has been postponed many times by Government, owing to tobacco industry lobbying to delay its enactment.

Civil society activists have strongly condemned the repeated postponement and eventual dilution of the provisions of The Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act 2003, on displaying pictorial warnings on tobacco products

The Supreme Court of India (25 January 2008) asked the Government of India to implement tobacco control rules mentioning pictorial warnings and possible tobacco industry interference as well.

Pictorial warnings on tobacco products were deferred from June 1, 2007 and postponed four times thereafter.

A group of ministers (GOM) is currently reviewing should or should not India make all tobacco products to have pictorial warnings.

This is the time to make the difference - write to these individual ministers who are members of GOM and let them know why it is a good public health policy to have pictorial warnings on tobacco products. Take action, now!

Tobacco claims around 1 Million lives per year in India. The tall is likely to exceed to 2 Million per year in the next 20 years.

This warnings will communicate the toxic effects of these products to all Indian populations, including those that cannot read the old text warnings, or the over 35% of adult Indian who cannot read at all

Let these ministers know why it is a good public health policy to have pictorial warnings on tobacco products!

Sign the petition here

======================
(to read this petition in hindi language, click here)

SIGN-THE-PETITION: Pictorial warnings on tobacco products protect public health

(to read this petition in hindi language, click here)
..............................
Sign the petition:
Pictorial warnings on tobacco products protect public health

These petitions will go to every member of the Group of Ministers in India reviewing pictorial warning provision of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (2003)
...............................................................

Sign the petition here
...............................................................

The Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 in India has a good provision to put pictorial warnings on tobacco products. But it hasn't been enforced, rather has been postponed many times by Government, owing to tobacco industry lobbying to delay its enactment.

Civil society activists have strongly condemned the repeated postponement and eventual dilution of the provisions of The Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act 2003, on displaying pictorial warnings on tobacco products

The Supreme Court of India (25 January 2008) asked the Government of India to implement tobacco control rules mentioning pictorial warnings and possible tobacco industry interference as well.

Pictorial warnings on tobacco products were deferred from June 1, 2007 and postponed four times thereafter.

A group of ministers (GOM) is currently reviewing should or should not India make all tobacco products to have pictorial warnings.

This is the time to make the difference - write to these individual ministers who are members of GOM and let them know why it is a good public health policy to have pictorial warnings on tobacco products. Take action, now!

Tobacco claims around 1 Million lives per year in India. The tall is likely to exceed to 2 Million per year in the next 20 years.

This warnings will communicate the toxic effects of these products to all Indian populations, including those that cannot read the old text warnings, or the over 35% of adult Indian who cannot read at all

Let these ministers know why it is a good public health policy to have pictorial warnings on tobacco products!

Sign the petition here

======================
(to read this petition in hindi language, click here)

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

(The list of ministers with their contact details is given below at the end of this posting)

Civil society activists have strongly condemned the repeated postponement and eventual dilution of the provisions of The Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act 2003, on displaying pictorial warnings on tobacco products in public health interest.

In spite of an urgent call for action by the shimla High court and the civil society, Government of India has not indicated a final decision on the date of nature of warning. It was deferred from June 1, 2007 and postponed four times thereafter.

Tobacco claims around 1 Million lives per year in India. The tall is likely to exceed to 2 Million per year in the next 20 years. Unsuspecting poor and uneducated people are not only the most hard-hit by life-threatening tobacco hazards, but also a substantial portion of their daily earning goes up ‘in smoke’, and later in treatment of tobacco-related health hazards. The low literacy rates in India demand the need to display Pictorial warnings on the products. However, the Government has turned a nelson’s eye to the reality, possibly influenced by the pro-tobacco industry lobby.

Both the Tobacco Industry and Government have a duty to communicate clearly and honestly about the often-deadly health risks of tobacco use to potential and current consumers.

Government of India seems to have fallen prey to the misleading argument of tobacco industry that the display of pictorial warnings would invite decline in consumption, thereby causing unemployment. This is untrue as the decline in consumption is likely to remain steady for next two decades. Moreover, it will be offset by the growth in population.

Pictorial warnings have been introduced in several developing & neighboring nation like Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil, Chile, S. Africa and others with demonstrated benefits to public health.

A Group of Ministers (GOM) has been convened by the Indian Prime Minister to examine the issue. This group includes Shri Pranab Mukharjee (Minister for External Affairs) Shri Jaipal Reddy (Minister for Urban Department), Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunshi (Minister for Parliamentary Affairs), Shri Kamal Nath (Minister for Commerce) Shri Oscar Fernandes (Minister for State Labour and Employment) and Dr Ambumani Ramdoss (Minister for health & family welfare).

This GOM is likely to be biased in favor of the tobacco lobby. Shri Pranab Mukharjee for instance has a massive presence of bidi workers in his constituency. Andhra Pradesh, from where Mr Jaypal Reddy hails, is also a tobacco growing state.

Therefore it is important to write to these ministers individually and let them know the public health concerns.

Dr Shekhar Salkar,
General Secretary, NOTE India.
Ph: 9822485769
Email: sssalkar@yahoo.com

--------------------------------

Group of Ministers (GOM) reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products in India

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee
Permanent Address: 2-A, 1st Floor, 60/27, Kabi Bharti Sarani
(Lake Road), Kolkata-700029,
Tel: (033) 24648366

Shri Jaipal Sudini Reddy
H.No. 6-70, Village and Mandal Madgul,
Distt. Mahbubnagar-509 001 (Andhra Pradesh)
(040)23547122

Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi
Present Address: 7, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003
Tels.(011) 24653778, 24653895
Fax.(011) 24653727
Permanent Address: 6A, Rani Bhawani Road,
Kolkata- 700 026 (West Bengal)
Phones: (033)4640707,4640505
Fax: (033) 4640202

Shri Kamal Nath
Present Address: 1, Tughlak Road, New Delhi - 110 011
Tels. (011) 23792233, 23793396, 23011300
Permanent address: Vill. Shikarpur, P.O. Linga, Distt. Chhindwara - 480 001(Madhya Pradesh). Tel.& Fax.(07162)242233

Shri Oscar Fernandes
Present address: 8, pandit pant marg, New Delhi-110001
Permanent address: Doris Rest Haven, Ambalpady, Udupi, Karnataka-575103.

Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
Permanent address: New No.10, Old No.44, Kamatchi Amman, Koil Street, Distt. Villupuram, Tindivanam 604001

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

(The list of ministers with their contact details is given below at the end of this posting)

Civil society activists have strongly condemned the repeated postponement and eventual dilution of the provisions of The Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act 2003, on displaying pictorial warnings on tobacco products in public health interest.

In spite of an urgent call for action by the shimla High court and the civil society, Government of India has not indicated a final decision on the date of nature of warning. It was deferred from June 1, 2007 and postponed four times thereafter.

Tobacco claims around 1 Million lives per year in India. The tall is likely to exceed to 2 Million per year in the next 20 years. Unsuspecting poor and uneducated people are not only the most hard-hit by life-threatening tobacco hazards, but also a substantial portion of their daily earning goes up ‘in smoke’, and later in treatment of tobacco-related health hazards. The low literacy rates in India demand the need to display Pictorial warnings on the products. However, the Government has turned a nelson’s eye to the reality, possibly influenced by the pro-tobacco industry lobby.

Both the Tobacco Industry and Government have a duty to communicate clearly and honestly about the often-deadly health risks of tobacco use to potential and current consumers.

Government of India seems to have fallen prey to the misleading argument of tobacco industry that the display of pictorial warnings would invite decline in consumption, thereby causing unemployment. This is untrue as the decline in consumption is likely to remain steady for next two decades. Moreover, it will be offset by the growth in population.

Pictorial warnings have been introduced in several developing & neighboring nation like Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil, Chile, S. Africa and others with demonstrated benefits to public health.

A Group of Ministers (GOM) has been convened by the Indian Prime Minister to examine the issue. This group includes Shri Pranab Mukharjee (Minister for External Affairs) Shri Jaipal Reddy (Minister for Urban Department), Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunshi (Minister for Parliamentary Affairs), Shri Kamal Nath (Minister for Commerce) Shri Oscar Fernandes (Minister for State Labour and Employment) and Dr Ambumani Ramdoss (Minister for health & family welfare).

This GOM is likely to be biased in favor of the tobacco lobby. Shri Pranab Mukharjee for instance has a massive presence of bidi workers in his constituency. Andhra Pradesh, from where Mr Jaypal Reddy hails, is also a tobacco growing state.

Therefore it is important to write to these ministers individually and let them know the public health concerns.

Dr Shekhar Salkar,
General Secretary, NOTE India.
Ph: 9822485769
Email: sssalkar@yahoo.com

--------------------------------

Group of Ministers (GOM) reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products in India

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee
Permanent Address: 2-A, 1st Floor, 60/27, Kabi Bharti Sarani
(Lake Road), Kolkata-700029,
Tel: (033) 24648366

Shri Jaipal Sudini Reddy
H.No. 6-70, Village and Mandal Madgul,
Distt. Mahbubnagar-509 001 (Andhra Pradesh)
(040)23547122

Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi
Present Address: 7, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003
Tels.(011) 24653778, 24653895
Fax.(011) 24653727
Permanent Address: 6A, Rani Bhawani Road,
Kolkata- 700 026 (West Bengal)
Phones: (033)4640707,4640505
Fax: (033) 4640202

Shri Kamal Nath
Present Address: 1, Tughlak Road, New Delhi - 110 011
Tels. (011) 23792233, 23793396, 23011300
Permanent address: Vill. Shikarpur, P.O. Linga, Distt. Chhindwara - 480 001(Madhya Pradesh). Tel.& Fax.(07162)242233

Shri Oscar Fernandes
Present address: 8, pandit pant marg, New Delhi-110001
Permanent address: Doris Rest Haven, Ambalpady, Udupi, Karnataka-575103.

Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
Permanent address: New No.10, Old No.44, Kamatchi Amman, Koil Street, Distt. Villupuram, Tindivanam 604001

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

(The list of ministers with their contact details is given below at the end of this posting)

Civil society activists have strongly condemned the repeated postponement and eventual dilution of the provisions of The Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act 2003, on displaying pictorial warnings on tobacco products in public health interest.

In spite of an urgent call for action by the shimla High court and the civil society, Government of India has not indicated a final decision on the date of nature of warning. It was deferred from June 1, 2007 and postponed four times thereafter.

Tobacco claims around 1 Million lives per year in India. The tall is likely to exceed to 2 Million per year in the next 20 years. Unsuspecting poor and uneducated people are not only the most hard-hit by life-threatening tobacco hazards, but also a substantial portion of their daily earning goes up ‘in smoke’, and later in treatment of tobacco-related health hazards. The low literacy rates in India demand the need to display Pictorial warnings on the products. However, the Government has turned a nelson’s eye to the reality, possibly influenced by the pro-tobacco industry lobby.

Both the Tobacco Industry and Government have a duty to communicate clearly and honestly about the often-deadly health risks of tobacco use to potential and current consumers.

Government of India seems to have fallen prey to the misleading argument of tobacco industry that the display of pictorial warnings would invite decline in consumption, thereby causing unemployment. This is untrue as the decline in consumption is likely to remain steady for next two decades. Moreover, it will be offset by the growth in population.

Pictorial warnings have been introduced in several developing & neighboring nation like Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil, Chile, S. Africa and others with demonstrated benefits to public health.

A Group of Ministers (GOM) has been convened by the Indian Prime Minister to examine the issue. This group includes Shri Pranab Mukharjee (Minister for External Affairs) Shri Jaipal Reddy (Minister for Urban Department), Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunshi (Minister for Parliamentary Affairs), Shri Kamal Nath (Minister for Commerce) Shri Oscar Fernandes (Minister for State Labour and Employment) and Dr Ambumani Ramdoss (Minister for health & family welfare).

This GOM is likely to be biased in favor of the tobacco lobby. Shri Pranab Mukharjee for instance has a massive presence of bidi workers in his constituency. Andhra Pradesh, from where Mr Jaypal Reddy hails, is also a tobacco growing state.

Therefore it is important to write to these ministers individually and let them know the public health concerns.

Dr Shekhar Salkar,
General Secretary, NOTE India.
Ph: 9822485769
Email: sssalkar@yahoo.com

--------------------------------

Group of Ministers (GOM) reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products in India

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee
Permanent Address: 2-A, 1st Floor, 60/27, Kabi Bharti Sarani
(Lake Road), Kolkata-700029,
Tel: (033) 24648366

Shri Jaipal Sudini Reddy
H.No. 6-70, Village and Mandal Madgul,
Distt. Mahbubnagar-509 001 (Andhra Pradesh)
(040)23547122

Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi
Present Address: 7, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003
Tels.(011) 24653778, 24653895
Fax.(011) 24653727
Permanent Address: 6A, Rani Bhawani Road,
Kolkata- 700 026 (West Bengal)
Phones: (033)4640707,4640505
Fax: (033) 4640202

Shri Kamal Nath
Present Address: 1, Tughlak Road, New Delhi - 110 011
Tels. (011) 23792233, 23793396, 23011300
Permanent address: Vill. Shikarpur, P.O. Linga, Distt. Chhindwara - 480 001(Madhya Pradesh). Tel.& Fax.(07162)242233

Shri Oscar Fernandes
Present address: 8, pandit pant marg, New Delhi-110001
Permanent address: Doris Rest Haven, Ambalpady, Udupi, Karnataka-575103.

Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
Permanent address: New No.10, Old No.44, Kamatchi Amman, Koil Street, Distt. Villupuram, Tindivanam 604001

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

Appeal: Write to Group of Ministers reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products

(The list of ministers with their contact details is given below at the end of this posting)

Civil society activists have strongly condemned the repeated postponement and eventual dilution of the provisions of The Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act 2003, on displaying pictorial warnings on tobacco products in public health interest.

In spite of an urgent call for action by the shimla High court and the civil society, Government of India has not indicated a final decision on the date of nature of warning. It was deferred from June 1, 2007 and postponed four times thereafter.

Tobacco claims around 1 Million lives per year in India. The tall is likely to exceed to 2 Million per year in the next 20 years. Unsuspecting poor and uneducated people are not only the most hard-hit by life-threatening tobacco hazards, but also a substantial portion of their daily earning goes up ‘in smoke’, and later in treatment of tobacco-related health hazards. The low literacy rates in India demand the need to display Pictorial warnings on the products. However, the Government has turned a nelson’s eye to the reality, possibly influenced by the pro-tobacco industry lobby.

Both the Tobacco Industry and Government have a duty to communicate clearly and honestly about the often-deadly health risks of tobacco use to potential and current consumers.

Government of India seems to have fallen prey to the misleading argument of tobacco industry that the display of pictorial warnings would invite decline in consumption, thereby causing unemployment. This is untrue as the decline in consumption is likely to remain steady for next two decades. Moreover, it will be offset by the growth in population.

Pictorial warnings have been introduced in several developing & neighboring nation like Thailand, Singapore, and Brazil, Chile, S. Africa and others with demonstrated benefits to public health.

A Group of Ministers (GOM) has been convened by the Indian Prime Minister to examine the issue. This group includes Shri Pranab Mukharjee (Minister for External Affairs) Shri Jaipal Reddy (Minister for Urban Department), Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunshi (Minister for Parliamentary Affairs), Shri Kamal Nath (Minister for Commerce) Shri Oscar Fernandes (Minister for State Labour and Employment) and Dr Ambumani Ramdoss (Minister for health & family welfare).

This GOM is likely to be biased in favor of the tobacco lobby. Shri Pranab Mukharjee for instance has a massive presence of bidi workers in his constituency. Andhra Pradesh, from where Mr Jaypal Reddy hails, is also a tobacco growing state.

Therefore it is important to write to these ministers individually and let them know the public health concerns.

Dr Shekhar Salkar,
General Secretary, NOTE India.
Ph: 9822485769
Email: sssalkar@yahoo.com

--------------------------------

Group of Ministers (GOM) reviewing pictorial warnings on tobacco products in India

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee
Permanent Address: 2-A, 1st Floor, 60/27, Kabi Bharti Sarani
(Lake Road), Kolkata-700029,
Tel: (033) 24648366

Shri Jaipal Sudini Reddy
H.No. 6-70, Village and Mandal Madgul,
Distt. Mahbubnagar-509 001 (Andhra Pradesh)
(040)23547122

Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi
Present Address: 7, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003
Tels.(011) 24653778, 24653895
Fax.(011) 24653727
Permanent Address: 6A, Rani Bhawani Road,
Kolkata- 700 026 (West Bengal)
Phones: (033)4640707,4640505
Fax: (033) 4640202

Shri Kamal Nath
Present Address: 1, Tughlak Road, New Delhi - 110 011
Tels. (011) 23792233, 23793396, 23011300
Permanent address: Vill. Shikarpur, P.O. Linga, Distt. Chhindwara - 480 001(Madhya Pradesh). Tel.& Fax.(07162)242233

Shri Oscar Fernandes
Present address: 8, pandit pant marg, New Delhi-110001
Permanent address: Doris Rest Haven, Ambalpady, Udupi, Karnataka-575103.

Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
Permanent address: New No.10, Old No.44, Kamatchi Amman, Koil Street, Distt. Villupuram, Tindivanam 604001

Assam journalists to defy militants diktat on R-Day

Assam journalists to defy militants diktat on R-Day

Nava Thakuria

If it becomes a ritual for a section of the armed outfits to impose a boycott call on the celebration of Republic Day and Independence Day in many parts of the northeast India, the rising counter-reactions against such diktats turned equally true to the term. The 59th Republic Day also witnessed a boycott call from four outlawed outfits and as usual it has been hit back by a group of journalists of Assam with advance announcement that they would hoist Tricolour in the city press club on January 26. They have also made an appeal to the people of the region to celebrate the auspicious day with fanfare.

In a statement, the group of working journalists and writers including noted author Nirupama Bargohain and veteran journalist Dhirendranath Chakrabarty had made the appeal to hoist the Indian National Flag atop their houses and in their own localities on the occasion of 59th Republic Day of the country.

"The Republic Day of the country should be celebrated by the citizens in recognition to the sacrifices made by the martyrs, who accepted martyrdom to wrest liberty for their compatriots. Many of their colleagues also under underwent tremendous hardship to free the country from the colonial yoke," said in the statement adding, "The people of the region should remember those martyrs and freedom fighters on occasions like Independence Day and the Republic Day by hoisting the Tricolour in a befitting manner."

Earlier four insurgent groups of Northeast comprising the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) and Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF) issued a joint call to boycott of the R-Day registering their protest against the Indian colonial occupation on the region.

In a joint statement, signed by the ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa and sent to the journalists, the armed groups had also called for a general strike beginning from the midnight of January 25 till 6 pm next day and made plea to the revolutionary people of the region to prevent celebrations of the day.

"The imposed Indian constitution has undermined the basic unity of the region by fragmenting it on ethnic lines as part of India's colonial policy of divide and rule", the statement added, "We have reiterated time and again that the destiny of the region lies only in interdependent unity and coexistence with sovereign independence among the fraternal peoples of the region."

However, the group of Guwahati based brave journalists insisted on the celebration of the R-Day and appealed the citizen of Guwahati to take part in their function on the Guwahati Press Club campus in the morning of January 26 on the occasion. The other signatories of the appeal include Rupam Baruah, Ajit Patowary, Nava Thakuria, Hiten Mahanta, Ranen Kr Goswami, Bhupen Bargohain, Pramod Kalita, Girin Karji, Kumud Das, Manish Goswami, Sabita Lahkar and Mukul Kalita.

(Nava Thakuria is a senior journalist based in North-east India)

Published in:
Scoop Independent News, New ज़अलंद
Media for Freedom

Assam journalists to defy militants diktat on R-Day

Assam journalists to defy militants diktat on R-Day

Nava Thakuria

If it becomes a ritual for a section of the armed outfits to impose a boycott call on the celebration of Republic Day and Independence Day in many parts of the northeast India, the rising counter-reactions against such diktats turned equally true to the term. The 59th Republic Day also witnessed a boycott call from four outlawed outfits and as usual it has been hit back by a group of journalists of Assam with advance announcement that they would hoist Tricolour in the city press club on January 26. They have also made an appeal to the people of the region to celebrate the auspicious day with fanfare.

In a statement, the group of working journalists and writers including noted author Nirupama Bargohain and veteran journalist Dhirendranath Chakrabarty had made the appeal to hoist the Indian National Flag atop their houses and in their own localities on the occasion of 59th Republic Day of the country.

"The Republic Day of the country should be celebrated by the citizens in recognition to the sacrifices made by the martyrs, who accepted martyrdom to wrest liberty for their compatriots. Many of their colleagues also under underwent tremendous hardship to free the country from the colonial yoke," said in the statement adding, "The people of the region should remember those martyrs and freedom fighters on occasions like Independence Day and the Republic Day by hoisting the Tricolour in a befitting manner."

Earlier four insurgent groups of Northeast comprising the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) and Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF) issued a joint call to boycott of the R-Day registering their protest against the Indian colonial occupation on the region.

In a joint statement, signed by the ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa and sent to the journalists, the armed groups had also called for a general strike beginning from the midnight of January 25 till 6 pm next day and made plea to the revolutionary people of the region to prevent celebrations of the day.

"The imposed Indian constitution has undermined the basic unity of the region by fragmenting it on ethnic lines as part of India's colonial policy of divide and rule", the statement added, "We have reiterated time and again that the destiny of the region lies only in interdependent unity and coexistence with sovereign independence among the fraternal peoples of the region."

However, the group of Guwahati based brave journalists insisted on the celebration of the R-Day and appealed the citizen of Guwahati to take part in their function on the Guwahati Press Club campus in the morning of January 26 on the occasion. The other signatories of the appeal include Rupam Baruah, Ajit Patowary, Nava Thakuria, Hiten Mahanta, Ranen Kr Goswami, Bhupen Bargohain, Pramod Kalita, Girin Karji, Kumud Das, Manish Goswami, Sabita Lahkar and Mukul Kalita.

(Nava Thakuria is a senior journalist based in North-east India)

Published in:
Scoop Independent News, New ज़अलंद
Media for Freedom

'Jattha' marching to connect people's struggles in India

'Jattha' marching to connect people's struggles in India

A 'jattha' will begin on 26 January 2008 from Nandigram marching and connecting all people's struggles and movements across India to end in Gorai, Mumbai on 4 February 2008. A mid high-point will be when it reaches Narmada valley where one of the biggest people's movements since India's independence struggle is still ensuing.

"The Nandigram struggle has created history. The adverse impact of imperialist globalization and the primacy of capital and market on India's polity is clearly visible not only in Nandigram struggle but also from the struggle by farmers, workers, Dalits, Adivasis across the country. The illusory development slogans churned out by this process facilitates assault not only on our natural resources and cultural heritage but also destroys the ethos of equity, simplicity, democracy and sovereignty" said Dr Sandeep Pandey, national convener of National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2002.

Women, farmers, workers are engaged in major struggles to protect their lands, livelihoods, water resources and lifestyles all over the country. The struggles have sprung up all over the country to fight for sustainable development, for employment-generating village-industries, self-reliant agriculture and decentralised democratic development-planning alternatives.

"But the arrogant and indifferent governments are hell bent on crushing this people-centric development by approving over 600 SEZs across the country. Innumerable SEZs are devouring not only pristine agriculture, natural wealth but are also destroying people's lives and livelihoods without providing any rehabilitation" said Dr Pandey.

"We have been left with no choice but to challenge the whole process of globalization resulting in suicides of farmers (over one lakh now) which in no way could be called suicides-in fact they are being murdered in the name of developmental economic fundamentalism, by all those who are forgetting their socialist commitments and the sanctity of the Indian Constitution. The present mainstream political parties are not ready to admit the above, since the majority of the mainstream political party leaders have compromised with imperialism, capitalism and western consumerist ideology" further elaborates Dr Pandey.

Democratic socialism and sustainable development with people's participation in decision making are the fundamental commitments which need to be upheld. "People are questioning and seeking solutions, as they very well know that they can survive only when they are able to save human relationships, sustainable environment, democracy and socialism" says Mukta Srivastava from NAPM.

Under such circumstances, there is a vital need to relate and link these people's movements to strengthen them mutually and also to build a stronger voice of the most unheard in Indian democracy.

Nandigram, which has now achieved the status not only of the protest against the economic domination and state repression, but a symbol of martyrdom, will be the starting point of this Jattha on 26 January 2008 and will pass through Indian states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra to conclude on 4 February 2008 in Gorai, Mumbai, India.

Large number of people and people's representatives who are struggling against commercialisation, globalization, fundamentalism, communalism will join this Jattha. Krishi Jami Raksha Committee, Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee, ACTION 2007, National Hawkers Federation, Narmada Bachao Andolan, National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), National Fish Workers Forum, Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Madhya Pradesh, Ekvira Jamin Bachao Sangharsh Samiti , Lonavala , Maharashtra, Tata Dhran Grasth Sangharsh Samiti, Lonavala, Maharashtra, Dharavi, Peth Bachao Samiti , Gorai, Mumbai, Jharkhand Krantikari Majdoor Union, Bokaro, Jangal Bachao Andolan, Jharkhand, Nagri Haq Surasha Samiti, Pimpari Chinchawat, Maharashtra, Ulgulan Manch, Jharkhand and several others ongoing people's movements in different parts of India are participating in this Jattha march.

Published in:
Assam Times, Assam, India (23 January 2008)
Scoop Independent News, New Zealand (24 January 2008)
Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India (24 January 2008)

'Jattha' marching to connect people's struggles in India

'Jattha' marching to connect people's struggles in India

A 'jattha' will begin on 26 January 2008 from Nandigram marching and connecting all people's struggles and movements across India to end in Gorai, Mumbai on 4 February 2008. A mid high-point will be when it reaches Narmada valley where one of the biggest people's movements since India's independence struggle is still ensuing.

"The Nandigram struggle has created history. The adverse impact of imperialist globalization and the primacy of capital and market on India's polity is clearly visible not only in Nandigram struggle but also from the struggle by farmers, workers, Dalits, Adivasis across the country. The illusory development slogans churned out by this process facilitates assault not only on our natural resources and cultural heritage but also destroys the ethos of equity, simplicity, democracy and sovereignty" said Dr Sandeep Pandey, national convener of National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2002.

Women, farmers, workers are engaged in major struggles to protect their lands, livelihoods, water resources and lifestyles all over the country. The struggles have sprung up all over the country to fight for sustainable development, for employment-generating village-industries, self-reliant agriculture and decentralised democratic development-planning alternatives.

"But the arrogant and indifferent governments are hell bent on crushing this people-centric development by approving over 600 SEZs across the country. Innumerable SEZs are devouring not only pristine agriculture, natural wealth but are also destroying people's lives and livelihoods without providing any rehabilitation" said Dr Pandey.

"We have been left with no choice but to challenge the whole process of globalization resulting in suicides of farmers (over one lakh now) which in no way could be called suicides-in fact they are being murdered in the name of developmental economic fundamentalism, by all those who are forgetting their socialist commitments and the sanctity of the Indian Constitution. The present mainstream political parties are not ready to admit the above, since the majority of the mainstream political party leaders have compromised with imperialism, capitalism and western consumerist ideology" further elaborates Dr Pandey.

Democratic socialism and sustainable development with people's participation in decision making are the fundamental commitments which need to be upheld. "People are questioning and seeking solutions, as they very well know that they can survive only when they are able to save human relationships, sustainable environment, democracy and socialism" says Mukta Srivastava from NAPM.

Under such circumstances, there is a vital need to relate and link these people's movements to strengthen them mutually and also to build a stronger voice of the most unheard in Indian democracy.

Nandigram, which has now achieved the status not only of the protest against the economic domination and state repression, but a symbol of martyrdom, will be the starting point of this Jattha on 26 January 2008 and will pass through Indian states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra to conclude on 4 February 2008 in Gorai, Mumbai, India.

Large number of people and people's representatives who are struggling against commercialisation, globalization, fundamentalism, communalism will join this Jattha. Krishi Jami Raksha Committee, Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee, ACTION 2007, National Hawkers Federation, Narmada Bachao Andolan, National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), National Fish Workers Forum, Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Madhya Pradesh, Ekvira Jamin Bachao Sangharsh Samiti , Lonavala , Maharashtra, Tata Dhran Grasth Sangharsh Samiti, Lonavala, Maharashtra, Dharavi, Peth Bachao Samiti , Gorai, Mumbai, Jharkhand Krantikari Majdoor Union, Bokaro, Jangal Bachao Andolan, Jharkhand, Nagri Haq Surasha Samiti, Pimpari Chinchawat, Maharashtra, Ulgulan Manch, Jharkhand and several others ongoing people's movements in different parts of India are participating in this Jattha march.

Published in:
Assam Times, Assam, India (23 January 2008)
Scoop Independent News, New Zealand (24 January 2008)
Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India (24 January 2008)

Call for Jattha - from Nandigraam to Narmada to Gorai - Linking people and struggles

Call for Jattha

From Nandigram to Narmada to Gorai :

Linking People & Struggles

The Nandigram struggle has created history. The adverse impact of imperialist globalization and the primacy of capital and market on India's polity is clearly visible not only in Nandigram struggle but also from the struggle by farmers, workers, Dalits, Adivasis across the country. The illusory development slogans churned out by this process facilitates assault not only on our natural resources and cultural heritage but also destroys the ethos of equity, simplicity, democracy and sovereignty.

Women, farmers, workers are engaged in major struggles to protect their lands, livelihoods, water resources and lifestyles all over the country. The struggles sprung up all over the country to fight for sustainable development, for employment-generating village-industries , self-reliant agriculture and decentralised democratic development-planning alternatives. But the arrogant and indifferent governments are hell bent on crushing this people-centric development by approving over 600 SEZs across the country. Innumerable SEZs are devouring not only pristine agriculture, natural wealth but are also destroying people's lives and livelihoods without providing any rehabilitation.

We have been left with no choice but to challenge the whole process of globalization resulting in suicides of farmers (over one lakh now) which in no way could be called suicides-in fact they are being murdered in the name of developmental economic fundamentalism, by all those who are forgetting their socialist commitments and the sanctity of the Indian Constitution. The present mainstream political parties are not ready to admit the above, since the majority of the mainstream political party leaders have compromised with imperialism, capitalism and western consumerist ideology.

Democratic socialism, sustainable development with people's participation in decision making are our fundamental commitments, which we all want to uphold. People are questioning and seeking solutions, as they very well know that they can survive only when they are able to save human relationships, sustainable environment, democracy and socialism .

Under such circumstances, we need to relate& link not only with different struggles and organizations seeking solutions not only in India but also beyond.

We have received a fresh lease of inspiration from struggles in Nandigram, Maharashtra, Goa and Orissa etc..

Keeping this in mind, the Comrades of NAPM and Action- 2007, Nandigram, Jangal Bachao Andolan, Samajwadi Jan Parishad, are to march through various states, where they will join the local struggles.

We seek co-operation of one and all who could join in this Jattha. This is the way to take a break through from the present injustice and create the positive polity for a wider collaboration of all concerned.

Nandigram , which has now achieved the status not only of the protest against the economic domination and state repression, but a symbol of martyrdom, will be the starting point of our Jattha to start on 26th Jan 2008 and will pass through Jharkhand, Chattisgarh , Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and will conclude on 4th February 2008 in Gorai, Mumbai .

People and people's representatives who are struggling against commercilisation, globalization, fundamentalism, communalism will join this Jattha.

A detailed schedule is enclosed alongwith to give you an idea of the route.

We request many of you all to join the Jattha from Nandigram itself during the launch of the yatra. Please confirm your arrival to Nandigram soon . Please reach Kolkatta by 25^th Jan 2008 late evening or 26th Morning .

Venue : will be shortly intimated

Contact: Saktiman Ghosh- 033-22196688, Sudipto 09433972662 for Logistics

Sincerely Yours,

• Krishi Jami Raksha Committee
• Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee
• ACTION 2007
• National Hawkers Federation
• Narmada Bachao Andolan
• National Alliance of People's Movements
• National Fish Workers Forum
• Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Madhya Pradesh
• Ekvira Jamin Bachao Sangharsh Samiti , Lonavala , Maharashtra
• Tata Dhran Grasth Sangharsh Samiti, Lonavala , Maharashtra
• Dharavi, Peth Bachao Samiti , Gorai, Mumbai
• Jharkhand Krantikari Majdoor Union, Bokaro
• Jangal Bachao Andolan, Jharkhand
• Nagri Haq Surasha Samiti, Pimpari Chinchawat, Maharashtra
• Ulgulan Manch , Jharkhand

Mukta Srivastava
National Alliance of People's Movements

(NAPM)

Schedule

From Nadigram to Narmda to Gorai: Linking People & Struggles

26th Jan 2008

Yatra launch from Nandigram

Programme at Nandigram

Debjit, Sawapan Da , Saktiman Ghosh

By road

26th Jan 2008

Start form

Nandigram

Reach Singur

Stay over night

in Singur

27^th January

Programme at Singur

In the morning

Leave for purulia in the afternoon

Reach Purulia

Programme at purulia in the evening

Start for Bokaro in the night

Anuradh Talwar

28^th January

-

Reach bokaro in the morning

A full day programme at Bokaro

Stay over night in Bokaro

DC Gohain , Vishwanath Bagi

29^th January

Start for Ranchi Early morning

Reach Ranchi late morning

A day prgramme in Ranchi

Go to Jamshedpur (90 km) by road and take a train for Raigarh

2810 HWH MUMBAI MAIL at 23.45

Sanjay Basu Malik

and Ghanshyam

30 January

Reach Raigarh at 4.59 in the morning

Programme at Raigarh

One can also take a train from Raigarh at 16.50 and reach Bilaspur at 20.15 ( train no- 3275)

Take a train from Bilaspur at 22.20 to Satana at by

88201 DURG GKP EXPRES

Gautam and others

By Train

31st January

Reach Satna at 6.15 and start for Rewa (50 Km) by road

Programme at in Rewa

Take a train from Satna at 23.15 to Khandawa by

9048 BGP SURAT EXP

Sunil Bhai and Subrat

By road / train

1st February

Reach Khandawa at 9.45 and start for Badwani from Khndawa

Reach Badwani

Meeting at Badwani and stay over night

Stay over Night

Medha Patkar

2nd February

reach Narmada Valley

Programme at Narmada Valley

Leave for Pune in the night

Medha Patkar and others

3rd February

Reach Pune in the morning

Programme at Pimpari , Chinchawat Pune

Leave for Gorai and stay overnight at Gorai

Maruti Bhapkar , Palekar ji and Prasad Bagve

By Road

4th February

Programme at Gorai

The Yatra Concludes

Chandrashekhar and Ulka mahajan