By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chairperson, International Coordinating Committee
International League of Peoples’ Struggle
2 January 2008
On December 19, 2007, the editor of People’s March Govindan Kutty was arrested and put in jail by the Kerala police. He was subjected to long and harsh interrogation for a whole day. The police later filed false charges against him and in protest against this Kutty has gone on a hunger strike. Because of his age, the hunger strike places his life in danger.
We, the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS), strongly condemn the Indian authorities for the arrest of Govindan Kutty on trumped up charges and we demand his immediate and unconditional release. We demand that the Indian government respect the freedom of speech of the people and allow the continued publication of People’s March without any encumbrance.
People’s March is an independent publication which supports progressive movements in India, Nepal and other countries. It has been in existence for 7 years duly registered with the appropriate agencies of the Indian government. We have always appreciated People’s March for upholding the cause of national liberation, democracy, social justice and development against imperialism and all reaction.
We condemn the arbitrary arrest, detention and cruel treatment of Govindan Kutty as acts of state terrorism and as part of the so-called war on terror instigated by the US. The imperialists and their local reactionary agents like the Indian government suppress the democratic rights of the people who oppose imperialist plunder and war.
They cannot tolerate those who oppose “neoliberal” globalization, global fascisation and wars of aggression. They wish to continue raking in profits by exploiting the people and ruining their lives.
The people of the world must stand up and resist every act of injustice against individuals, organizations and other entities that are persecuted because they fight for national and social liberation.
The ILPS calls on all the participating organizations of the League to write protest letters and statements and conduct protest actions in front of Indian diplomatic missions around the world to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Govindan Kutty and the resumption of the publication of People’s March. #
International League of Peoples’ Struggles
