South Asia Citizens Web

The Kabul Process aims to bring together regional actors to support peace, and to put the Afghan government more clearly in charge than in prior efforts. But in the marginalization of women, the Kabul Process is already a continuation of earlier, unsuccessful, efforts.

A select compilation of news reports and statements by human rights groups regarding the threat by Islamists to Sultana Kamal the prominent public intellectual and human rights activist in Bangladesh

Dilip Simeon’s essay takes us back to the tumultuous period in Indian Labour History i.e 1937-­1939 when for the first time Congress acquired power at the Provincial level under the Government of Indian Act of 1935. This crucial period saw an upsurge in popular movements of peasants, workers and other groups whose diverse aspirations were to be represented by the newly formed Congress Governments. Following on the prolonged effects of the Great Depression and waves of rationalisation, there was a spate of labour protests which affected industries all over India, especially in the provinces where Congress was in power. Dr. Simeon takes up the case of alleged strike breaking activity by adivasi workers in a Tatanagar Foundry and weaves in the story of the labour movement of the region where nationalists of various shades, radicals and regional leaders competed for the labour constituency.

The situation in India is growing more complex by the day. The space for free expression and freedom is shrinking rapidly. The fascist forces are trying to shut voices of freedom and we are compelled to fight the battle in the available space.

It is time for the establishment to shift its gaze briefly from the stock-market and ask itself what it objects to in Naxalite activity.