Intellectuals decry ban on Maoists

The newly formed Lalgarh Mancha,a platform of human rights and social organisations,will hold a rally in Kolkata on July 11 demanding the withdrawal of the ban on the CPI(Maoist). They are also demanding a repeal of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the release of Gaur Chakraborty,the spokesperson of CPI(Maoist).

Sujato Bhadra,a member of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights,said the Mancha was formed in Kolkata on June 25 and 22 organisations and nearly 20 eminent personalities,including author Mahasweta Devi,have joined the organisation so far. Organisations like NAPM of Medha Patkar and the Bandi Mukti Committee have joined the platform. The Union Home Ministry had banned the CPI(Maoist) under the UAPA on June 22.