LUCKNOW – The Jan Sangharsh Morcha Chhattisgarh and other associated organizations held a street corner meeting at Bhilai’s Civic Center Parivar Chowk to commemorate Hiroshima Day.
A Day of Remembrance and Protest
The event was organized to remember the devastating atomic bomb attack by the United States on Hiroshima in 1945, an act that occurred even as Japan was prepared to surrender. Speakers at the event addressed the need for peace, democracy, and livelihoods while opposing nuclear weapons, war, and nuclear energy.
They also spoke out against the “poison of majoritarian hatred and division” prevalent in Chhattisgarh, particularly targeting minorities, tribals, Dalits, the oppressed, and women. The speakers also emphasized upholding India’s syncretic Ganga-Jamuni culture and the tradition of shared martyrdom and heritage.
Call for Action Against Hatred and Violence
The street corner meeting was presided over by Comrade Prasad Rao, convener of the Jan Sangharsh Morcha Chhattisgarh, and conducted by Comrade Saura, the state secretary of CPI (ML) Red Star.
Following the meeting, a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Chhattisgarh was submitted to administrative officials. The memo demanded an end to the “majoritarian, divisive, and hateful campaign” by what was termed as “Sanghi, Manusmriti-following, Brahminical, fascist forces” against minorities (especially Christians and Muslims), Dalits, the oppressed, women, and tribals.
The memorandum’s key demands included:
- Protecting the right of religious minorities to practice their faith as per the Constitution of India.
- Banning the Bajrang Dal.
- Stopping the forced demolition of mosques and churches.
- Urging the administration to govern according to the Constitution of India and not become “followers of violent mob rule and the cruel Manusmriti.”
The event featured a series of public songs focused on democracy, secularism, and India’s pluralistic Ganga-Jamuni culture. Prominent speakers from a range of organizations, including PUCL, All India Buddhist Forum, Aam Aadmi Party, and TUCI, also participated.
