CPI(ML)-New Democracy strongly condemns the physical attack on Swami Agnivesh in Pakur in Jharkhand on July 17, 2018 by the hoodlums of RSS linked youth wing. Swami Agnivesh was physically assaulted by these goondas and sustained injuries due to this attack. A statement by a BJP Minister in Jharkhand leaves no doubt that this attack was carried out at the behest of RSS-BJP Govt. of Jharkhand.

This attack is part of the violent attacks being carried out by RSS through its affiliated organizations to suppress all voices of dissent. RSS is targeting all democratic personages supporting the struggles of oppressed sections including tribals, dalits and minorities.

Jharkhand Govt. has been increasingly attacking tribals, changing law relating to acquisition of land and rules of Forest Rights Act. They are dispossessing tribals of their land and means of livelihood and suppressing their struggles.

RSS aims to silence their voice and crush the struggles of these sections. RSS-BJP is increasingly exposing its anti-people and fascist character through these attacks.

CPI(ML)-New Democracy also condemns that despite two days since the attack, no arrest has been made of the attackers. The enquiry ordered by the state govt. is merely an eyewash.

CPI(ML)-New Democracy demands that a judicial enquiry by at least a sitting judge of a High Court should be conducted to find out the conspiracy behind this attack. Guilty should be identified and arrested without delay.

CPI(ML)-New Democracy calls for protests against this attack on Swami Agnivesh and against the fascist drive of RSS-BJP which is in power at the Centre and in Jharkhand.

Central Committee,

CPI(ML)-New Democracy

July 18, 2018