NOVEMBER

November 1, 2000
CHHATTISGARH STATE FORMED
The formation of the state was a culmination of decades of mass mobilisations. Even though it was meant to address the aspirations of the majority Adivasis, little has changed for them. Instead, massive state violations of their rights continue including official arming of civilians to “deal with” the Maoist “menace”.
Articles:
Krishna, D (2000). 'The New Tribal States: Can They Survive in the Modern World?', Economic and Political Weekly. Vol. 35, No. 46, pp. 3997.
Venkatesan, V (2000). 'Chhattisgarh: A Quiet Arrival, Frontline, Vol. 17, No. 17.
(www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1717/17170370.htm)
(2001). 'Chhattisgarh: A New State, Yojana, No. 45, pp. 37-38.
(2001). Interview with Chief Minister Ajit Jogi: A Vision for His State, Frontline, Vol. 18, No. 24.
(www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fline/fl1824/18240900.htm)
Books:
Mishra, P. L. (1979). The Political History of Chhattisgarh, 1740-1858 A.D., Nagpur: Vishwa Bharati Prakashan.
Shukla, H. L. (1985). Social History of Chhattisgarh, Delhi: Agam Kala Prakashan.
Seminar on the Source Material of the History of Chhattisgarh (1986). History of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, India.
Shukla, H. L. (1999). Chhattisgarh in Making, Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation
Websites:
http://chhattisgarh.nic.in/profile/corigin.htm
www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/chhattisgarh/background/default.htm
www.cgnet.in/ (peoples website of Chhattisgarh)
http://cgfinance.nic.in/Rules%20&%20Act/Reorganisation%20Act-2000/Reorganisation%20Act,2000(English).PDF

November 1-2, 2001
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON KOEL-KARO POWER PROJECT
In response to the police firing at Tapkara on a non-violent demonstration of Adivasis opposing the Koel-Karo project, the Indian People's Tribunal on Environment and Human Rights held public hearings in Ranchi and Tapkara. The tribunal recommended that in addition to taking action against those responsible for the killings, the state government should give compensation to the kin of those killed and those injured in the firing.
Articles:
Sachar, Rajinder (2002). 'An Independent Enquiry into the Police Firing at Tapkara and Resistance to the Koel-Karo Project, Jharkhand', The Indian People's Tribunal on Environment and Human Rights.
(www.iptindia.org/pdf/Koel-Karo.pdf)
Movement Features (2000-2007), Kriti: New Delhi, Vol. I, No. i-vii, pp. 57.
Websites:
www.pucl.org/Topics/Industries-envirn-resettlement/2002/tapkara.htm
www.iptindia.org/
www.hrln.org/

November 4, 2000
IROM SHARMILA BEGINS HUNGER STRIKE SEEKING THE REPEAL OF AFSPA
On a hunger fast since November 2000, Irom Chanu Sharmila's demand is simple Repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, the draconian law imposed on parts of the North-East.
Articles:
Dobhal, Harsh. (2006). 'How Many Days Must a Woman Fast before She's Free, Combat Law, Vol. 5, No. 5.
(http://combatlaw.org/information.php?article_id=835&issue_id=31)
Websites:
www.manipurfreedom.org/about
www.tehelka.com/story_main17.asp?filename=Cr032506_Iroms_iron.asp Interview with Irom Sharmila
www.truthout.org/article/j-sri-raman-force-fed-sharmila-fights-on-freedom-from-armed-oppression
[For more on struggle against AFSPA, see July 15]

November 5, 1992
THOUSANDS ATTENDED WOMEN'S MARCH IN LUCKNOW FOR PEACE AND HARMONY
A day before kar sevaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh desecrated and destroyed large parts of the 13th century Babri Masjid, a massive women's march was taken out in Lucknow, affirming peace and harmony.
Articles:
NFIW Records
[See October 20]

November 6, 1987
SATI VIRODHI SANGHARSH MANCH TOOK OUT A MARCH AGAINST GLORIFICATION OF SATI
Following a case of Sati in Deorala village, Rajasthan where young Roop Kanwar was burnt to death on her husband's funeral pyre, protests against the practice led to processions and demonstrations by those in support of the heinous practice. The Anti-Sati Front took out a march against the glorification of the practice that results in the cold-blooded murder of women.
Articles:
Jha, Meeta Rani. 'India: Chappal, Sticks and Bags' (http://endabuse.org/programs/printable/display.php3?DocID=102)
Hardgrove, Anne (1999). 'Sati Worship and Marwari Public Identity in India, The Journal of Asian Studies, Vol. 58, No. 3, pp. 723-752 (www.gutenberg-e.org/haa01/haa07.html)
Rajalakshmi, T.K. (2004). ''Sati' and the Verdict, Frontline, Vol. 21, No. 5.
(www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2105/stories/20040312002504600.htm)
Books:
Kumar, Radha (1993). The History of Doing: An Illustrated Account of Movements for Women's Rights and Feminism in India, 1800-1990, Zubaan.
Films:
From the Burning Embers (36 min), Produced by: Mediastorm
Websites:
www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2007/09/23/stories/2007092350030300.htm - Sharma, Kalpana (2007). 'Remembering Roop Kanwar, The Hindu, Sunday, September 23.
www.wcd.nic.in/commissionofsatiprevention.htm - Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987.

November 9, 2000
UTTARAKHAND STATE FORMED
The state of Uttarakhand was formed as a result of a prolonged struggle aimed at securing hill people's integral relation to natural resources.
Books:
Mukhopadhyay, R (1987). Uttarakhand Movement: A Sociological Analysis, Centre for Himalayan Studies special lecture, 8. Raja Rammohunpur, Dt. Darjeeling: University of North Bengal.
Aggarwal, J. C., S.P. Agrawal & S.S. Gupta (Eds.) (1995). Uttarakhand: Past, Present, and Future, New Delhi: Concept Pub. Co.
Husain, Z (1995). Uttarakhand Movement: The Politics of Identity and Frustration, a Psycho-Analytical Study of the Separate State Movement, 1815-1995, Bareilly: Prakash Book Depot.
Kumar, P (2000). The Uttarakhand Movement: Construction of a Regional Identity, New Delhi: Kanishka Publishers.
Websites:
www.cpiml.org/liberation/year_2005/december_05/uttaranchal_statehood.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttarakhand

November 10, 1978
TRIPURA NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS FORMED
The Tripura National Volunteers was one of the most powerful tribal insurrections that arose in the 1980s and had a significant influence on the democratic and political process in Tripura. They gave up their struggle in 1988 and surrendered to the Indian State.
Books:
Singh, K.S. (1982) Tribals Movements in India.
Ghosh, Kamalini (1984). Tribal Insurrection in Tripura: A Study in Relative Deprivation, Hyderabad: Booklinks Corp.
Dutta, Jyotish Chandra (1984). An Introduction to the History of Tripura: From Monarchy to Democracy, Book Home.
Sarma, Ramanimohan (1987). Political History of Tripura, Calcutta: Puthipatra.

November 11, 1908
CHHOTANAGPUR TENANCY ACT PROMULGATED
The Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act was promulgated following Birsa Munda's movement challenging the British land-holding policy, legalising for the first time, tribal control over their lands. This day holds great significance in Jharkhand's tribal movement, particularly in the context of the Forest Rights Act 2006, which legalises the control and ownership over forest land and resources to forest peoples and traditional forest dwellers.
Websites:
http://jamshedpur.nic.in/tribal.htm
www.rrtd.nic.in/jharkhand.html
http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/fullact1.asp?tfnm=66

November 11, 1975
SHILLONG ACCORD SIGNED BETWEEN NAGA NATIONAL COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
The Naga National Council that had been spearheading the fight for an independent Nagaland signed an accord with the Government of India agreeing to enter mainstream national politics. A significant number of leaders who firmly believed in a sovereign Nagaland broke away to form the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN (Isaac-Muivah) that now leads the movement for a Greater Nagalim.
Books:
Lasuh, Wetshokhrolo (Ed.), Compiled by V.K. Nuh (2002). The Naga Chronicle, New Delhi: Regency Publications.
Websites:
http://manipuronline.com/Manipur/December2002/nagachronology2002.htm
http://nagaland.nic.in/history/shillong.htm - State narrative
http://www.nscnonline.org/ - NSCN narrative

November 11, 2005
OVER 2000 TRIBALS PROTEST AGAINST MINING COMPANY VEDANTA RESOURCES
In the sustained struggle against the proposed bauxite mining plant to be set up by Vedanta in the Niyamgiri Hills of Orissa, tribals continue to protest, reaffirming their struggle and preventing the construction of the plant.
[For more on anti-bauxite mining by Vedanta in Orissa, see June 22]

November 12, 1936
THE TEMPLE ENTRY PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF TRAVANCORE
As a result of widespread agitation, satyagraha, and public actions seeking religious reform, the Government of Travancore issued a historical proclamation allowing temple access to low caste Hindus.
Articles:
Jeffrey, Robin (1976). 'Temple-Entry Movement in Travancore, 1860-1940, Social Scientist, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 3-27.
Websites:
www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index25.htm
http://niyamasabha.org/codes/bus_1.htm
http://hubmagazine.mayyam.com/nov06/?t=8348
[For more on Temple Entry Movements in Kerala, see March 30]

November 14-17, 2000
CAMPAIGN AGAINST USE OF CHEMICAL INPUTS AND GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SEEDS LAUNCHED IN CHENNAI
The campaign, organised by the Tamil Nadu Women's Forum (TNWF) and the Society for Rural Education and Development, was a part of the people's caravan- an International movement under the aegis of the Pesticides Action Network for Asia and the Pacific (PANAP). It was primarily opposed to the use of destructive pesticides and fertilisers and the deeper penetration of transnational corporations in agriculture following the WTO's legitimising agricultural liberalisation.
Websites:
http://ngin.tripod.com/126.htm
www.poptel.org.uk/panap/caravan.htm
www.panap.net/

November 15, 1984
SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK DECLARED IN KERALA
Eight years after a struggle began in 1976 to prevent the destruction of large areas of virgin rainforest by the proposed construction of a dam on Kunthipuzha River in the Silent Valley in Kerala, the project was shelved and the Silent Valley was declared a National Park.
Websites:
www.indiatogether.org/2007/may/env-silentdam.htm
www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2004/08/01/stories/2004080100140100.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Save_Silent_Valley

November 15, 2000
JHARKHAND STATE FORMED
While the formation of the state of Jharkhand represented a recognition of the region's Adivasi communities and the multiple deprivations experienced by them under British colonialism and the neo-colonialism of post-Independence governments, the territory was considerably shrunk from the original conception of the people's movements.
Articles:
Prakash, A. (1999). 'Contested Discourses: Politics of Ethnic Identity and Autonomy in the Jharkhand Region of India, Alternatives, Vol. 24, pp. 461-496.
Bhaumik, Saba Naqvi and Amarnath Tiwari (2000). 'Troublesome Triplets, Outlook India, November 27 (www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fname=States%20(F)&fodname=20001127&sid=1)
Chaudhuri, Kalyan (2000). ' Jharkhand, At Last, Frontline, Vol. 17. No. 17 (www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1717/17170390.htm).
Roy, A. K. (2000). 'Making of Jharkhand: Journey from Separation to Liberation', Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 35, No. 41, pp. 3631-3632.
(2001). 'Jharkhand as a New State', Yojana, Delhi, No. 45, pp. 41-42.
Pandey, A. K. (2006). 'The Jharkhand Movement and Marxist Theory, The Eastern Anthropologist, Vol. 59, No. 3, pp. 373.
Books:
Lourdusamy, S (1997). Jharkhandi's Claim for Self-Rule: Its Historical Foundations and Present Legitimacy, New Delhi: Indian Social Institute.
Prakash, Amit (2001). Jharkhand: Politics of Development and Identity, Hyderabad: Orient Longman.
Areeparampil, M (2002). Struggle for Swaraj: A History of Adivasi Movements in Jharkhand from the Earliest Times to the Present Day, West Singbhum, Jharkhand: Tribal Research and Training Centre.
Tirkey, A (2002). Jharkhand Movement: A Study of its Dynamics, New Delhi: All India Coordinating Forum of the Adivasi/Indigenous Peoples.
Munda, R. and S. Bosu Mullick (Eds.) (2003). The Jharkhand Movement: Indigenous People's Struggle for Autonomy in India, Copenhagen: International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs in collaboration with Bindrai Institute for Research Study and Action.
Ekka, W. and R.K. Sinha (2004). Documentation of Jharkhand Movement, Kolkata: Anthropological Survey of India.
Films:
Korajee (The Land of the Diggers) (Kurukh with English subtitles, 2005), Directed by: Biju Toppo and Megnath
Websites:
http://jharkhand.nic.in/history.htm
http://jharkhandonline.in/Profile/History/milestones.asp
http://legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in/States/Jharkhand/jharkhand_w.htm

November 16, 2006
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL SUPPORTING MOHAN DHARIA'S FAST DEMANDING DEBT RELIEF FOR FARMERS
In the context of farmer suicides in the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra, veteran freedom fighter Mohan Dharia's fast unto death was supported by a nationwide series of candlelight vigils and protest marches.
Websites:
http://www.thesouthasian.org/archives/2006/gandhigiri_in_support_of_farme_1.html
http://foodpolicy.in/
www.hindu.com/2008/05/14/stories/2008051455941100.htm - Dharia, Mohan (2008). 'Rising Prices and issues of Governance', The Hindu, Wednesday, May 14

November 18, 1857
OPEN REVOLT BY NATIVE INFANTRY IN CHITTAGONG
Part of the India-wide open revolt sparked by the sepoy mutiny, the native infantry in Chittagong rose in open rebellion and released all prisoners from jail, seizing arms and ammunition and ransacking the treasury.
Websites:
http://banglapedia.net/HT/S_0209.HTM
[For more on 1857 Revolt, see May 10]

November 21
WORLD FISHERIES DAY
To reflect on the global condition of fisheries and traditional fishworkers in the context of large-scale commercialization, the World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fishworkers (WFF) decided to mark this day as an annual day of solidarity and protest,
Websites:
http://keralafishworkers.org/nff.htm
http://icsf.net/icsf2006/jspFiles/icsfMain/
www.siffs.org/
www.pcffa.org/wff.htm
www.icsf.net/icsf2006/uploads/publications/samudra/pdf/english/issue_33/art10.pdf

November 23-24, 1994
JOINT ACTION AGAINST JOINT VENTURES FISHERMEN PROTEST AGAINST EEZ
As part of the economic reforms of the 1990s, the Government of India allowed foreign investment in joint ventures in fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). This sparked widespread protests and a nationwide strike of fishworkers was organised by the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) to highlight the deprivation caused by large-scale fisheries on the livelihood of small and artisanal fishworkers.
Articles:
Kurien, John (1995). 'Joint Ventures: Bad Custodian of the Sea, Samudra, Issue 12. (http://icsf.net/icsf2006/uploads/publications/samudra/pdf/english/issue_12/art07.pdf)
Delhi Forum (1997). The World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fishworkers, Dossier, Delhi Forum, pp. 1.
Reeves, P., B. Pokrant, and J. McGuire (1997). 'The Right to the Sea: The Struggle of Artisanal Fishers in Kerala since 1980' (www.virginia.edu/soasia/symsem/kisan/papers/kerala.html)
John, J (1996).'Fishing Deep Down a Ruinous Path, Labour File, Vol. 2, No. 7-8.
Sharma, Mukul (1996). 'Fish Workers' Struggle: Resources of Hope, Labour File, Vol. 2, No. 7-8.
Websites:
www.dahd.nic.in/fishpolicy.htm
http://mofpi.nic.in/annualreport/reports/dfp9192/chapter8.htm
www.revolutionarydemocracy.org/rdv4n2/fishwork.htm
www.eco-action.org/dod/no8/fish.html
www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/lf/2002/03/07/stories/2002030700160200.htm - Martin, K.A. (2002). 'The Fisherman's Friend, The Hindu, Kochi, Thursday, March 7.

November 24, 2004
PROTEST MARCH IN VARANASI DEMANDING CLOSURE OF COCA COLA FACTORY AT MEHDIGANJ
Over a thousand people gathered at the Mehdiganj Coca Cola factory, protesting water scarcity and groundwater pollution caused by the plant. They demanded an immediate closure of the plant.
Articles:
Sainath, P (2006). 'Thirst for Profit, Frontline, Vol. 23, No. 7 (www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fline/fl2307/stories/20060421005000400.htm)
Sethi, Aman (2006). 'Bottling Livelihoods, Frontline, Vol. 23, No. 10 (www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2310/stories/20060602006404000.htm)
Sirohi, Seema (2006). 'Cola Wars, Water Wars, Outlook-India, August 31. (www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fname=seema&fodname=20060831&sid=1)
Aiyer, A (2007). 'Essay Cluster: The Coke Complex - The Allure of the Transnational: Notes on Some Aspects of the Political Economy of Water in India, Cultural Anthropology: Journal of the Society for Cultural Anthropology, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 640.
Books:
Lok Samiti (2007). To Protect our Right over our Water: On the movement against Coca-Cola in Mehdiganj, Varanasi, Varanasi: Lok Samiti.
Websites:
http://soundingcircle.com/newslog2.php/__show_article/_a000195-000728.htm
www.indiaresource.org/campaigns/coke/2004/mehdiganjgallery.html
www.ashanet.org/austin/mehdiganj/faq.html
www.mehdiganj.org/
www.thesouthasian.org/archives/2006/community_groups_demand_coke_p.html
http://lists.aidindia.org/pipermail/aid-news/2004-November/000002.html
www.ashanet.org/austin/mehdiganj/petitions/cpcb.html
[For more on anti-Coca Cola struggle, see April 22]

November 24, 1999
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OCCUPY WB PREMISES IN NEW DELHI OPPOSING DESTRUCTION OF LIVELIHOODS
More than three hundred Adivasis occupied the premises of the World Bank in New Delhi, compelling the country director to accept a letter of protest outlining the consequences of Bank-funded projects commodification of natural resources, liberalisation of forest products, and the consequent adverse impacts on their livelihoods.
Websites:
www.converge.org.nz/pma/apdelhi.htm
www.oikos.org/ecology/wtoindia.htm
www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/uscaravan/1124Adivasioccup.html
[For more on the movement against World Bank, see September 21]

November 26, 1973
MASSIVE WOMEN'S MORCHA DECLARING ANTI-PRICE RISE DAY
A massive morcha was held on the opening day of the Nagpur Legislative Assembly as part of the Anti-Price Movement, declaring November 26th as the Mahagai Pratikar Din or Anti-Price Rise Day.
[For more on the Women's Anti-Price Rise Movement, see October 17]

November 28, 1998
KRRS DESTROYS MONSTANTO'S FIRST TEST SITE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED COTTON
In an act of civil disobedience, thousands of farmers occupied and burned down three fields of genetically modified cotton grown by the State. They launched 'Operation Cremation Monsanto' against biotechnology and its close link with large agro-industrial corporations.
Websites:
www.monsantosucks.com/cremate.htm
www.psrast.org/indmons.htm
http://eatthestate.org/03-15/CrematingMonsanto.htm
http://nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/infopool/agitprop/margins1998.htm
[For more on KRRS' struggle against Bt Cotton, see April 17]

November 30, 1995
PEOPLE'S FORUM AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MARCH TO PARLIAMENT
A wide cross-section of women's organizations and other movements and groups came together to form the People's Forum against Child Sexual Abuse. They marched to Parliament to highlight the issue that cuts across region and class.
Articles:
AIDWA Records
Websites:
www.childsexualabuseinindia.blogspot.com/
www.arpan.org.in/csa.html#anchor8csa

November 30, 1999
ANTI-WTO RALLY IN ANJAR WITH HUNDRED BULLOCK CARTS
Over a thousand members of Rewa ka Yuva (Youth for Narmada), the youth wing of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) organized a rally of (NBA) organised a rally on a hundred bullock carts against the destructive nature of capitalist globalization. The rally also emphasised their efforts to create forums for people's participation on issues concerning agricultural production, electricity and livelihood.
Websites:
www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/free/seattle/n30/index.htm
www.oikos.org/ecology/wtoindia.htm
[For more on anti-WTO protests, see September 28, March 19]

November 30, 1999
A GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION, RESISTANCE AND CARNIVAL AGAINST THE GLOBAL CAPITALIST SYSTEM
At the Third Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, radical activists and commentators including institutions such as International Workers of the World (IWW) and the international Peoples' Global Action Network (PGA) gathered at Seattle to highlight the inherently exploitative nature of the capitalist system.
Websites:
www.eco-action.org/dod/no9/seattle_proposal.html