Kolkata, Aug 4 (IANS) The pro-Maoist tribal group – Peoples’ Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) – Wednesday changed its stance and decided to participate in the Aug 9 ‘apolitical’ rally called by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Lalgarh.
PCAPA’s newly appointed spokesperson Monaj Mahato said: ‘This is not a political rally and many social activists like Swami Agnivesh, Medha Patkar, who have raised their voice against the government’s oppressive policies and extended moral support to our movement, will be present at the rally. So we have decided to extend our full support.’
The PCAPA had earlier said that they would not support the Trinamool rally at Lalgarh because it was being held under the party’s banner.
‘When Mamata said they will not hold her rally under the party banner, and it will be held under the banner of ‘Santras Birodhi Mancha’ (Anti-Atrocities Platform) to voice protest against the ‘government-sponsored oppression’ in the Junglemahal (forested areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura), we changed our stand and decided to cooperate with them,’ said Mahato.
‘We are always against violence and for the last three years we have been fighting the police and the government’s atrocities on innocent tribals,’ Mahato said.
Asked if PCPA leaders would be present on the dais, he said: ‘Leaders who are wanted by the police would not be there. Others against whom there are no charges would be present.’
