Mainstream Weekly

Talking to Maoists

Nirmalangshu Mukherji — 2011-10-08T19:45:05Z

It is reported that the decades-old talks with Naga insurgent groups has made some progress recently.1 One reason why talks have a chance in these cases is that separatism comes in layers and degrees: there are numerous real points between complete separation and total subjugation, at least in a progressive federal structure.
This condition does not apply to the Maoist upheaval primarily because the Maoist movement is not a separatist movement. Maoists demand seizure of state power by (…)

- 2011

Three Components of Jan Lokpal Campaign

Nirmalangshu Mukherji — 2011-09-06T16:18:36Z

[The following is a piece the author wrote as a response to an article by Gail Omvedt. Since that article is not being carried here, we have omitted references to it in the first few lines. Otherwise the article has been used in full. —Editor]
I think the older generation of Left activists are by and large failing to come to terms with an unfamiliar form of protest in the IT-age. For them perhaps, Tahrir Square looks full of promise at a distance from where all the finer dark spots get (…)

- 2011

Have You Looked at Barsa Lakhma's Face?

Nirmalangshu Mukherji — 2010-06-10T00:04:29Z

The Hindu, May 25, posted the photograph of a person in its frontpage under the head “Six Naxals held for Dantewada massacre”, http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/25/stories/20100525 62010100.htm
The person, Barsa Lakhma, is alleged to be a Naxal “leader”, a “commander” who is said to be involved in the gunning down of 76 security personnel. He along with five others—Oyam Hidma, Podiyami Hidma, Kawasi Budra, Oya Ganga, and Dura Joga—are in police custody after a “major breakthrough”.
Take a (…)

- 2010