Lowkey : Behind the Song - Ahmed

If Democracy and Class Struggle was a singer or rapper it would be Lowkey - we are so happy he has returned after absence a of a few years - we missed him.

For More Lowkey on Democracy and Class Struggle visit :

http://democracyandclasstruggle.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=lowkey

Welsh Socialist Republican Congress Statement on Kurdish Struggle

The Welsh Socialist Republican Congress calls for the Indian Government to bring to an end Operation Green Hunt which has caused countless deaths amongst India's poorest people especially the Adivasi tribal people.

The Welsh Socialist Republican Congress calls for the Indian Government to bring to an end Operation Green Hunt which has caused countless deaths amongst India's poorest people especially the Adivasi tribal people.

The recent massacre at Malkangiri is another sad bloody page with the Indian Government putting the interests of mining companies before the interests of the people.

The killing of the Maoists at Malkangiri who defended the local people against the predatory mining companies is the direct responsibility of the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and they should resign immediately pending an investigation of the Malkangiri Massacre.

Those comrades killed serving the people in Malkangiri's names will be added to the People's hero's of India and their killers will forever wear the badge of shame.

Long Live The Resistance to Operation Green Hunt

Long Live the heroes of Malkangiri  eternal shame to their killers.

Solidarity with the struggle of the oppressed of India from the Welsh Socialist Republican Congress.

Long Live Proletarian Internationalism.

Red Salute to the First Welsh Socialist Republican Congress Meeting in the 21st Century

India: Comrade Kailash says security personnel have taken G Ramakrishna alias RK into custody

Malkangiri/ Visakhapatnam: Holding the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Chief Ministers responsible for the encounter in Bejing forest under Panasput grampanchyat of Malkangiri district on October 24 causing the death of 27 Maoists, the secretary of CPI (Maoist) East Division Committee Kailash today said the security personnel have taken top naxal leader G Ramakrishna alias RK in their custody.

In an audio tape released by the Maoist leader, Kailash said the State government is undertaking the ‘Operation Green Hunt’ in the area with an aim to resume mining operations to safeguard the interests of industrialists.

He threatened the SPs of Malkangiri and Visakhapatnam Rural will face dire consequences for launching the recent encounter.

Mentioning some members of the Maoist organisation were caught by police personnel during the encounter, Kailash demanded immediate deposition of the arrested naxals before a court.

He emphatically added in the audio tape moral of naxals is still high despite the death of the top Maoist leaders in the encounter.

In a related development, a rally was organised by Maoist supporters in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh yesterday protesting against the joint operation of the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Police in the Bejing forest of the cut-off area on October 24.

The supporters carried the body of Maoist woman leader Mamata and shouted slogans favouring the red rebels while holding banners and posters.

'We Are Going to Spread War Across Turkey': Kurdish PKK Leader Bese Hozat

Bese Hozat, the co-chair of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) umbrella organisation the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), spoke to journalist Erdal Er in the Qandil Mountains and warned that the war between the Kurdish group and Turkish state would spread across the country.

Qandil, a mountainous sanctuary and political center better known and more influential than many established states.

The area, located in the Kurdistan Region, north of Iraq, is within the borders of what the PKK calls the Medya Defence Zones; areas controlled by the group’s guerrilla fighters. Many view it like a capital because the Kurdish Freedom Movement is based here and has become an influential force and powerful actor in the Middle East.

Turkey wants to eradicate this force and is using all its political, military, diplomatic and economic might against the Kurds supporting it. With the war in Iraq, Syria, Rojava and Northern Kurdistan [southeast Turkey] and recently the Mosul operation, the world’s eyes have once again turned to Qandil. A busy woman, Bese Hozat took time out to answer our questions.

What is Turkey trying to do in Iraq, South Kurdistan [KRG] and Mosul?

Turkey’s policy is expansionist, sectarian and occupationist. It doesn’t want people to live in peace and together. It doesn’t want South Kurdistan to democratise. It won’t accept that the Yazidis will gain recognition and a political status. And it wants to eradicate the PKK.

But Turkey has said it wants to resolve issues and contribute…

What it’s doing is more important than what it is saying. The reason Turkey wants to participate in the Mosul operation is not to solve issues but to exacerbate them. Its interests lie in this. Its main objective is to make the Sunnis under its control sovereign in Iraq.

Kurds are majority Sunni though…

This doesn’t change matters. Erdogan doesn’t accept the existence of Kurds: Alawite, Yazidi, Sunni, it doesn’t matter to him. Furthermore Erdogan’s policy isn’t to help resolve Sunnis’ problems but to instrumentalise them for his racist, monist and sectarian policies; these policies are primarily against Kurds.

What are you proposing that is different to Turkey?

We vehemently reject sectarianism, nationalism and sexism. We know from Kurdish history that sectarian and nationalist policies have inflicted a lot of damage on the Middle East and its people. Today we are trying to prevent this from happening again. This is why we want to participate in the Mosul operation.

What is the deadlock?

The deadlock is this; just because the majority in Mosul are Sunni does it mean that we have to reject the existence of others? This is what ISIS does. So then what is the difference between Turkey and ISIS? You cannot find a single example of a system based on one belief being a solution. They have only led to a lot of bloodshed. A system based on the rule of a majority belief can only mean blood, massacre, tears and destruction.

How can the Mosul issue be resolved ?

We believe that the solution for Iraq, Mosul and the region lies in the democratic nation model. Sunnis, Shi’ites, Christians, Assyrian-Syrians, Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen live in Mosul. So the issue can be resolved by implementing the principle of equality and not discriminating based on religion, language, race, sect or gender.

Is this possible?

Why shouldn’t it be? We have Rojava as an example. An autonomous Shengal (Sinjar) and the Sinjar Resistence Units (YBS) will bring about the democratisation of Mosul post-ISIS. Mosul’s democratisation will affect the whole of Iraq and South Kurdistan. We want the HPG [PKK’s armed wing] and the YBS to participate in the Mosul operation for this reason.

What about Turkey’s existence in Bashiqa?

We view them as an occupant force. They have negated international law and the Iraqi state’s sovereignty to deploy their military in Bashiqa; and they are not heeding Iraq’s calls to withdraw. The Turkish state is also an occupying force in South Kurdistan. This occupation is not independent of the KRG administration. The presence of Turkish soldiers damages Kurdish unity and also targets the gains of Southern Kurds. It is important for the future of our people in the KRG that they struggle against this occupation.

Could you expand on this?

If Turkey is successful in eradicating the PKK their next step will be to eradicate South Kurdistan. The Turkish state sees the Kurds as enemies. It abhors diversity and the idea that Kurds will gain recognition.

Why do the relations between the South Kurdistan administration and Turkey irritate you?

We are not irritated. Of course South Kurdistan can have economic and political relations with the Turkish state. But we cannot accept the South Kurdistan administration green-lighting genocidal policies against the Kurdish people. This is the problematic and damaging aspect of relations we are against.

What do you mean by ‘problematic and damaging?’

Turkey is waging a comprehensive war against Kurdish gains in Rojava. Hundreds of people have been killed. It did this through certain proxies like ISIS, al-Nusra and some gangs within the Kurdish National Council (ENKS). It also did this in Aleppo and Sheikh Maqsoud. Unfortunately certain factions within the KRG are supporting this policy. They are in agreement with a state that is waging a genocidal policy against Kurds. This is a cause of great discomfort amongst Kurds and our movement.

Do you expect an attack on Shengal?

Turkey has plans against Shengal. There are reports it has made an agreement with some local forces. Shengal is one part of Turkey’s Mosul plan. ISIS’ attack and genocide in Shengal was not independent of Turkey.

What will you do if Shengal is targeted?

A very powerful social and military struggle needs to be waged against the Turkish occupation. We are going to do this. We are going to defend our people and its gains in Shengal.

Is the recent ISIS attack on Kirkuk part of a possible assault on Shengal?

It has become clear that Turkey was behind the Kirkuk attack. Turkey is a source of instability in the region. It is against a solution and peace. It wants to create conflict between different peoples in Mosul and Kirkuk.

Turkey is also against [PKK] guerrillas entering Kirkuk.

Guerrillas are the Kurdish people’s defence force. They will be everywhere they are needed.
Will the war in Northern Kurdistan continue?

Yes, the war there will intensify. We are not the cause of this; the cause is the Turkish state’s plan to genocide the Kurdish people. Turkey wants to take advantage of the region’s conjuncture to eradicate the PKK and complete its 100-year genocide plan.

What do you mean by genocide?

What we are saying is not propaganda; the situation is serious. If the Turkish state’s genocidal plans are not countered and there is no resistance, a genocide like the Armenian Genocide is going to be implemented against the Kurds. The only thing that can prevent this is struggle.

Is this possible in today’s world, will the world remain silent?

Turkey is using Iraq, Syria and the refugee crisis as a threat against Europe and the US so that they remain silent and turn a blind eye to this policy of genocide. Internally Turkey is razing Kurdish cities and towns to the ground, murdering people and suppressing dissidents to create an empire of fear where society is silenced.

The aim is to crush all opposition and eliminate Kurds who are resisting. In this way the state wants to impose a genocide across Northern Kurdistan, like it did in the 1915 Armenian Genocide and the 1938 Dersim Genocide. This is Erdogan and the AKP’s solution to the Kurdish question.

Therefore rather than waiting for a savior, resistance, struggle and victory is the only way.

Are aerial attacks on the Medya Defence Zones continuing?

Yes. Aerial bombardment in Northern Kurdistan is also ongoing. There are signs and we have suspicions that chemical weapons are being used. We have information that chemical weapons are going to be used during the upcoming winter period in North Kurdistan.

Are there a high number of deaths in aerial attacks?

Turkey’s exaggerated figures are a part of its psychological warfare. Those figures cannot be further from the truth. Of course we have had losses in aerial attacks, but not like Turkey claims. We are sharing information about losses with public opinion. Our people should not believe in Turkey's psychological warfare.

Do you expect a ground operation on the Medya Defence Zones?

We know that Turkey has a plan to do this. We have preparations against it. If Turkey attacks we will respond. If they come they will see.

If these attacks continue will you engage in actions in Turkey’s cities?

We are struggling against the AKP’s policies of genocide and will continue this. We will not kneel down. Accepting these policies means accepting genocide. The Kurdish people and PKK militants are not lambs to the slaughter.

We are not going to limit the war to Northern Kurdistan, we are going to spread it across Turkey. Everywhere is an area of war for us now.

Source: Yeni Özgür Politika

India : Red Salute to Comrade Prabhakar and the victims of Malkangiri Massacre

The Geopolitics of Russia - Egypt Relations

Democracy and Class Struggle says The Syrian Conflict is changing the dynamics in the Middle East and the pivoting of Egypt towards Russia and the Philippines in Asia towards China  - are fast moving events bringing Global Conflict to a new level.

Imperialism meant War in the 20th Century - getting beyond Imperialism in the 21st Century means getting beyond capitalism and imperialism  and beyond the capitalist blood brothers who kill each other and massacre the people's in the process

Imperialist Geo Politics means War  in the 21st Century just as it did in the 20th Century.

End Capitalism and Imperialism before it end us.

Turn Imperialist War into Civil War .

Remember the spirit of 1917  we celebrate the Russian people overcoming capitalist Imperialism - let us emulate them in 2017.

Long Live Marxism Leninism Maoism

Syria; NATO concerned about Al-Nusra and Ahrar al-Sham Casualties : Turkey now 15 miles from Al Bab

"As the world's eyes have turned on Mosul, Turkey has been attacking Kurdish fighters in Syria with artillery fire and aerial bombardment."

USA: Is the US Headed Towards War in Syria ?

Col. Lawrence Wilkerson is concerned about Clinton's foreign policy record and the fact that many of her advisors resemble those who served in the first George W. Bush administration

India : Naxalites will Never Die they will just Multiply - The Revolutionary Ideas of The Communist Party of India Maoist lives in the Hearts and Minds of the People

Naxalites will Never die they will just multiply

One of the martyrs in the Monday massacre is Prabhakar, popular singer, performer and writer of Praja Kala Mandali (PKM)

His Songs will outlive his earthly existence where he Served the People 

Rojava's Revolutionary Forces Preparing for al-Bab Operation Against Turkish-Backed Rebels

As the attacks by Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) affiliated groups on Rojava’s western canton Afrin continue, journalist Aziz Koyluoglu, who is in the region, has reported that the Revolutionary Forces (RF) allied with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are preparing for an operation on al-Bab.

The “Euphrates Shield” operation launched by Turkey and FSA groups into Rojava-Northern Syria Federation in August recently moved from Marea to the Shaykh Issa and Tal Rifaat areas in Northern Aleppo, which are controlled by the Revolutionary Forces.

This move has been viewed as an effort by Turkey to “suffocate Afrin” while the world’s gaze rests on the Mosul operation. Despite aerial bombardment and heavy shelling, which has killed dozens of fighters and civilians, Turkey backed groups have not been able to make headway in the area and it has been reported that the RF are expected to launch a counter offensive.

‘Nearing the end’

Reporting developments from Afrin, journalist Koyluoglu said, “The situation is complicated on all fronts. Recent developments are going to determine the future of Syria and Rojava. Russia, the US and Turkey are all implementing policies that favour their own interests, but the real direction of events is going to be determined by the region’s people.”

‘No advance despite attacks’

The journalist also reported that clashes were concentrated in Marea’s south and that Turkey had sent dozens of armoured vehicles and heavy artillery to the town to fight the Revolutionary Forces. However despite this Turkey-backed rebels had not been able to advance and had suffered severe losses, which could change the balance of affairs on the ground Koyluoglu said.

Turkey-Russia bargaining over Aleppo

Assessing the rapprochement and diplomatic meetings between Turkey and Russia and its reflection on the situation in Rojava, the embedded journalist stated: “Discussions between Russia and Turkey are centred on withdrawing the groups encircled [by the Syrian Army] in Aleppo’s east. Turkey wants this and gave Russia some hope about it. They said, ‘If you allow me to enter Jarablus, Marea and al-Bab then I will withdraw the groups in Aleppo.’ This was the bargain and Russia accepted it. But it hasn’t materialised. Al-Nusra, or with its new name Fatah al-Sham, is still in control in Aleppo and has declared it will not withdraw. In fact they have launched a new offensive from Idlib to break the blockade.

This will end the discussion and rapprochement between Turkey and Russia. Russia has allowed Turkey to foray as far as Marea.

But we will see whether they accept this position or allow them to go any further. It looks like this won’t happen because the Aleppo deal hasn’t come to fruition.

The statement by Fatah al-Sham on Aleppo will be the breaking point of Russia’s policy with Turkey.”

US supported the plan

Koyluoglu also commented on the US’s stance regarding this plan, saying, “The fall of Aleppo would change all the balances in Syria’s politics. The Sunni opposition will have taken a great blow. This is why the US is supporting Turkey; they want to break the [Syrian Army’s] siege on Aleppo and weaken Russia. The US is supporting Turkey to weaken Russia’s influence.”

Counter-move from Syria

Koyluoglu continued: “Turkey rather than opening a corridor to Aleppo through Marea to break the blockade wanted to lay siege to the Syrian army, however the regime has made a counter-move with a military buildup in Northern Aleppo against this threat.”

Turkey has two objectives

The journalist also asserted that Turkey’s offensive was based on two objectives, adding, “They want to prevent the creation of a federative structure by changing the geographical integrity of the area. This is why they are trying to advance in Marea and block the Afrin-Manbij line.

The second objective is to form a corridor between Aleppo centre and al-Zahraa and a passage to Idlib through here. This will also mean the encirclement of the Syrian army. The Nour al-Din al-Zenki Islamist group [backed by Turkey] made this admission when they revealed their plan was ‘besieging the already besieged Aleppo.’”

Plans A, B, C do not have any chance of success

Koyluoglu indicated that this initiative was what Turkey President Erdogan had called “plan B” and said: “Plan A failed.

Turkey couldn’t take part in the Mosul operation. The recent attack on Kirkuk was Turkey’s C plan.
Turkey has put into effect both plans now.

The attacks on the Shahba region are a part of this plan. Neither of these have any chance of success.
The attack on Kirkuk by Daesh (ISIS) was defeated. Plan B being implemented in Rojava has also been routed. Turkey and the groups it is backing wanted to conquer Tal Rifaat and progress to the area controlled by the Syrian regime but this plan has failed.

However there is still the possibility of attacks and not only in the Shahba region; there are preparations to occupy Idlib.”

Afrin will fight

Koyluolgu also remarked that military preparations had been made in the Afrin Canton and that the autonomous administration had stated they would resist attacks.

The journalist concluded by emphasising Turkey’s military buildup in the region and said that Turkish Special Forces were fighting on the front-line in Shaykh Issa but had been met by resistance from the RF, who were preparing for a counter-offensive that included al-Bab and Marea.

Source: DIHA

India: Today, the Indian state killed 3 more comrades in cold blood. Taking the toll to 27 in two days : Statement from Democracy and Class Struggle

Today, the Indian state killed 3 more comrades in cold blood. Taking the toll to 27 in two days.

The Indian state has gone into an all out offensive against the Maoists who are defending the rights of the people from the corporate-government nexus meant to loot the land from its natural resources.

On one hand a section of the ruling class has asked for peace talks with Maoists but the Indian state had continued its gruesome killings, unabated.

We urge the international community to stand in condemn the ongoing military campaign by the Indian state and stand in solidarity with comrades.

Statement From Democracy and Class Struggle 

25th October 2016

India: Harsh Thakor says Salute heroic rally of Peasantry and Landless Labour against Fascist repression by Akali Dal on Landless Dalit Labour in Conference in Lehra Gaga in Sangrur on October 21st 2016

SALUTE HEROIC RALLY OF PEASANTRY AND LANDLESS LABOUR AGAINST FASCIST REPRESSION BY AKALI DAL GOVT ON LANDLESS DALIT LABOUR IN CONFERENCE IN LEHRA GAGA IN SANGRUR ON OCTOBER 21ST..

THEY REVEALED RAGE LIKE LIGHTNING AND THUNDER. 

ERUPTING.UNITY OF REVOLUTIONARY FORCES OF JALOR KHAND JABBAD VIRODHI ACTION COMMITTEE IN CONFERENCE AND RALLY IS A RED LETTER DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE  REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT OF PUNJAB.

On 21st October the Jaloor Kand Jabar Virodhi Action Committee held a conference which terminated with  a rally around the city ending at the State district Magistrate's office...

Around 4-5000 people participated.

Apart from Sangrur Participants came from Patiala, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, Mansa, Bathinda, Faridkot, Nawasher and Ferozepur.,

The gathering comprised the bku-Ekta (Ugarhan) which organized the landed peasantry , the Punjab Khet Mazdur union which organized the agicultural workers and the  Zameen Prapt Sangharsh committee. Particpants  also came from the working class employees section which was encouraging and some fro the All India Khet Mazdoor Sabha of the C.P.I.

The speakers were Mukesh Mulaudh of the ZPSC,Zora Singh Nasrali of the P.M.K.U,Joginder Singh Ugrahan of B.K.U.(Ekta) Ugrahan ,Kulwant Singh of B.K.U (Dakaunda),Sanjeev Mintu of Krantikari Pendu Mazdur Union,Surjit Singh Phul of he B.K.U.(Krantikari). and Avatar Singh Dedhke of Kirti Kisan Union.

The speakers voiced 3 main demands.

1.That 1/3rd right of land pamchayat promised should be awarded to dalits.

2.That all 69 dalit democratic activists are released

3.That all the people responsible for crimes in recent months against the landless dalits should be imprisoned.

Of particular highlighting was the crimes of Akali leader Baban under the leadership of Parminder Dhindsa.who sponsored the criminal goons.

The mobilisation could not reach 8-10,000 as it is the harvesting season of agricultural labourers.

Still it was noteworthy that more than half came from the landed peasantry supporting the struggle of the dalits against tyranny.

What was heartening that almost sections from all the different trends within the revolutionary camp participated.

I also complement the painstaking solidarity and preparatory work done in village of Badli Kala and Jaloor whee Zameen Prapt Sangharsh Committee activists defied all odds.

The author who participated feels such gatherings lay the seeds for bridging the gap between the landed and landless dalit peasantry and for a major united movement against the fascist onslaught of the state

.A base has to be laid for organized resistance of protracted actions against the nexus of the state machinery with the landlords of the ruling parties

Revolutionaries have to seriously study the dalit or caste aspect and the polarization within the socio-political system.

Syria Alert : Turkish tanks were deployed in Marea town 10 miles North of Aleppo : NATO member Turkey provoking Syria and Russia into full scale war ?

Last week, the Turkish army started to shell Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) positions north of Aleppo, killing more than 20 SDF fighters. 

Moreover, Turkish-backed rebels threatened to expel the SDF from Tel Rifaat town, after the SDF-affiliated group, the Revolutionary Army [known as Jaish al-Thuwar], reached 18 kilometers from al-Bab subsequent to capturing several villages there.

Since October 19th, clashes continued between the Kurdish-led SDF units and the Turkey-backed rebels of the Euphrates Shield in Aleppo countryside.

The Russian government condemned the Turkish actions, while the Syrian army stated they would hit any Turkish jet to enter Syrian air space.

The general command of the SDF-linked Revolutionary Army said on Saturday they repelled attacks by the Turkish Euphrates Shield on 21 October, and killed 19 pro-Turkey fighters.

Turkish forces launched attacks on 21 October with artillery and missile launchers from several axes in villages of Samouqa, Hasiya, Om Hosh, Harbel, Sheikh Issa and Tel Rifaat. 

Moreover, additional Turkish tanks were deployed in Marea town on 22 October to attack SDF forces.

Furthermore, the SDF leadership said they have shot down a Turkish renaissance drone and wounded a senior commander of the Turkey-backed rebels in northern Aleppo.

Source ARA News

While Democracy and Class Struggle see further conflict between Russia  and Turkey over Syria there is another view that represented by Middle East Eye of Turkish Russian Co-operation

http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/turkey-russia-syria-putin-erdogan-us-frenemies-1670199042

Turkey has however shown willingness to respect Russian sensitivities in Aleppo by agreeing to remove al-Nusra Front militants from the town in a telephone conversation between Erdogan and Putin. The partnership with Russia looks like a way for Turkey to achieve a slightly scaled down version of its long-term policy aims in Syria, something the US could not provide.

On 23 October, Erdogan told the Russian TV channel Rossiya-1: “I need the support of my respected and valuable friend Putin in the joint struggle against terrorism in this region. We are ready to take every step necessary to cooperate with Russia in this area.” Russian-Turkish friendship is new but it may be more than a short-lived marriage of convenience.

See Also : http://russia-insider.com/en/politics/russia-and-turkey-still-divided-future-syria/ri17108 which disagrees with Middle East Eye.

India : Gaddar Sings Lal Salam - Red Salute to our comrades who were killed yesterday in Malkangiri district near the Andhra-Odisha border

The Spirit of the Indian Revolution lives in Gaddar

Gummadi Vittal Rao has acted in two movies, and carries a bullet in his body.

He is best known as a singer, and thousands of copies of his songs have been sold throughout India.

He is on the Andhra Pradesh police's list of people marked for overt support to Maoist rebels, the Naxalites.

And yet successive state governments have used his services in the failed peace initiatives with the outlawed Maoists.

In Left wing circles, he is a living legend.

He is Gaddar, the balladeer.

Unlike other left-wing revolutionary writers and poets, Gaddar is equally well known in rural and urban Andhra Pradesh. He is a familiar face on television screens, participating in protest programmes or spirited debates.

His songs cut across the barriers of region, religion, dialect, caste and social status.

In the words of prominent academic Dr Kancha Ilaiah, 'Gaddar was the first Telangana intellectual who established a link between the productive masses and the literary text and, of course, that text established a link between the masses and educational institutions.'

India: At least 21 Maoist Comrades killed in an alleged encounter in a forest in Malkangiri district near Andhra- Odisha Border

Democracy and Class Struggle reports some distressing news from India many Maoist comrades have been killed overnight.


At least 21 Maoists, including two top leaders and 7 women, were shot dead in an alleged encounter with a joint team of Odisha Police and Greyhounds team of AP Police early today morning in a forest in Malkangiri district near the Andhra-Odisha border.the Two constables were reported to be injured.

However, Maoist central committee member RK reportedly escaped. Among the dead are at least 7 women Maoists.

While the bodies are yet to be identified it is suspected that Gajarla Ravi, 49, Secretary of the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, Chalapathi alias Appa Rao, his wife Aruna and another leader Bakuri Venkata Ramana Murthy, were killed in the encounter.

Ravi had a reward of Rs 20 lakhs on his head while Chalapati, secretary of the East division, carries a reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head. His wife Aruna, deputy commander of the Koraput-Srikakulam Division Committee carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh.

Message to Kurdish Comrades - Stand for Self Reliance

Ala me zer sor û heşîn
Bernadin em vê tekoşîn
Heval hatin ji kelaşîn
Dayê êdî tu neke şîn

Gerîla bi nav û denge
Bi roket û bi tifenge
Xortê kurda zaf çelenge
Li her derê li ser cenge

Bi berxwedan û raperîn
Dîrok dinivsînin bi tîpên zerîn
Ji Qamişlo heta Afrîn
Ava dikin welatê şerîn

Şalê min şalek heft renge
Şiyar be sibe/heval derenge
Keça kurda şêr lehenge
Ji dijmin re jiyan tenge

Mücadele Marşı

Bayragımız sarı kırmızı ve yeşil
Birakmayiz biz bu mücadeleyi
Kelaşin den yoldaşlar geldi
Anne artik yas tutma

Gerila şanlıdır
Tüfek ve roketlidir
Kürt oglu çok görkemlidir
Her yerde savaştadır

Direniş ve ayaklanmaylan
Tarih yaziyorlar altın harflerlen
Qamışlodan Afrine kadar
Güzel ülkeyi kuruyorlar

Eşarpım yedi renkli bir eşarptır
Uyan yoldaş/yarin geçtir
Kürt kizi aslan kahramandır
Düşmanın hayatı sıkışiyor

Gotin û muzik : Kendal Manis
Studio : Eren Üren
Kamera : Hakan Kepez
Koro : Freefighter muzik

US Treachery in Northern Syria : “Informed sources confirmed that the Turkey-backed attacks on SDF positions today were supported by American officers,” the PYD said in a statement on Friday.

Turkey-backed rebels on Friday attacked positions held by the pro-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Tal Rafaat District. The Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) accused American officers of cooperating in the incursion.

Friday’s attack was preceded by Turkish airstrikes, which hit the villages of Um al-Housh, Um al-Qura and Hasiya in Aleppo’s northern countryside. Ten SDF fighters and four civilians were killed, while dozens of others were wounded.

The Islamic State (ISIS) was pushed out of these villages in August and September as part of the SDF’s drive to reach al-Bab city. The People’s Protection Units (YPG), the lead force within the SDF, seeks to seize al-Bab and thereby connect Northern Syria – Rojava’s (NSR) canton administrations.

Turkey-backed rebels on Friday attacked positions held by the pro-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Tal Rafaat District. The Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) accused American officers of cooperating in the incursion.

Friday’s attack was preceded by Turkish airstrikes, which hit the villages of Um al-Housh, Um al-Qura and Hasiya in Aleppo’s northern countryside. Ten SDF fighters and four civilians were killed, while dozens of others were wounded.

The Islamic State (ISIS) was pushed out of these villages in August and September as part of the SDF’s drive to reach al-Bab city. The People’s Protection Units (YPG), the lead force within the SDF, seeks to seize al-Bab and thereby connect Northern Syria – Rojava’s (NSR) canton administrations.

“Informed sources confirmed that the Turkey-backed attacks on SDF positions today were supported by American officers,” the PYD said in a statement on Friday.

Speaking about Turkey’s air raids, US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter told reporters: “We don’t yet fully know what transpired there. We’ll find out more as the days go on. I simply can’t give you any more than that now.”

Earlier on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby called on the Syrian rebels and the Kurds to stop fighting each other. “

We’ve called on all parties to refrain from uncoordinated movements and to focus, as I said earlier, on the common enemy, and the common enemy is Daesh,” he said.

“Both these Syrian forces and Turkey can and should operate inside the coalition, […] to focus on Daesh and not one another, and that’s what we want to see,” he said, employing an Arabic acronym for ISIS. “We don’t want to see any uncoordinated movements and these strikes would qualify as uncoordinated movements.”

Two Sides, Diametrically Opposed

The immediate goal of the Turkey-backed rebels is to preempt Kurdish territorial ambitious by capturing the ISIS-held areas between Efrin and Manbij. Their latter goal is to open a new front against the Syrian Army and the Shia militias currently laying siege to eastern Aleppo city.

“The Euphrates Shield Operation will drive the YPG out of Tal Rifaat and the surrounding area before moving eastwards towards al-Bab,” Abdurahman Harkoush, a former spokesperson for the Army of Islam, said.

These goals are irreconcilable with the widely shared Kurdish desire to establish territorial contiguity in the NSR. Kurds across Turkey condemned Thursday’s airstrikes and Friday’s incursion.

“While Turkey can and should have a crucial role in fighting ISIS, the attacks of the Turkish Army and its local [Islamic fundamentalist] allies on the SDF are providing ISIS with fresh air,”

Hisyar Ozsoy, Vice Co-chair of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP), told ARA News.

“Turkey has been carrying out aggressive policies to undermine [the SDF],” Ozsoy stated. “By sacrificing the peace process with the Kurds [in Turkey] and initiating militarist policies against the Kurds in Syria, who constitute the backbone of the SDF, Turkey is foreclosing the possibilities of a peaceful future and political stability.”

According to Michael Stephens, the head of the Royal United Services Institute – Qatar, the US did not cooperate in Turkey’s attacks on the SDF.

“Basically [this is] a warning sign to the YPG; If you try to join the cantons we’ll make you pay,” Stephens told ARA News. “The two sides, [Turkey-backed rebels and the pro-Kurdish SDF], have no interest in talking. Ultimately it’s a disagreement between two sides that are diametrically opposed.”

Turkey’s Target is the Self-Administration

Tensions in Northern Aleppo Governorate have reached a fever pitch. According to Stephens, the SDF and Turkey’s rebel factions “are only able to talk through military means. What you’re seeing is the geopolitics playing out in the micro.”

Nawaf Khalil, a former PYD spokesman and head of the Rojava Centre for Strategic Studies, told ARA News that Turkey views all Kurds as enemies, regardless of their relations with Iraqi Kurdistan.

Khalil shares a widespread belief that Ankara and Moscow have been cooperating to cripple Syrian Kurdish forces.

“There has been a deal between Russia and Turkey to hit the Kurds, and destroy the insurgency in Aleppo,” he said.

Khalil told ARA News: “Turkey says it openly; their target is the [NSR] Self-Administration, and [their aim] is to prevent the unification of Efrin and Kobani.”

Reporting by: Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Battle for Mosul : Challenges of Reluctant Allies : Turkey the Trojan Horse inside Iraq has 18 illegal sites to complicate assault on ISIL : Turkey get out of Iraq Now !

ISIS Tightens Security in Raqqa as more Jihadists Arrive from Iraq

ISIS Tightens Security in Raqqa as More Jihadists Arrive From Iraq

The Islamic State (ISIS) on Wednesday tightened its security measures in the city of Raqqa, in northeastern Syria. According to eyewitnesses and activists, the extremist group has imposed a curfew in the city centre, installed new checkpoints and erected concrete road blocks.
Raqqa serves as a de facto capital of the self-declared Caliphate. Within the city, there has seen a week-long state of alert amongst ISIS jihadists.

“ISIS erected barriers between major districts of Raqqa city,” media activist Abdulkarim al-Yousef told ARA News in Raqqa. “New security checkpoints have been installed across the city, including near the al-Naeem Roundabout, al-Muhafaza Square, Saad Bin Muaz Mosque and al-Zedan Square.”

As previously mentioned, ISIS militants have fanned out, imposing a curfew in Raqqa. Dozens of people have reportedly been arrested at the newly established security checkpoints for violating the curfew.

While ISIS tightened its internal security, ISIS vehicles arrived in Raqqa, coming from Iraq. According to S Awad, an eyewitness, “More than 20 vehicles crossed the border and entered Raqqa on Tuesday at midnight, carrying ISIS militants and weapons.”

The Islamic State’s new redeployments and repression are likely related to the advances being made by US-backed Iraqi and Kurdish forces. On Monday, allied forces began the battle for Mosul and rapidly progressed towards the Caliphate’s Iraqi capital.

More than 4,000 Peshmerga soldiers were involved in the operation, fighting alongside Iraqi security forces. The Peshmerga soldiers liberated on Monday nine villages in the vicinity of Mosul, in an area measuring approximately 200 square kilometres.

The operation was launched from the towns of Gwer and Khazir and coincided with a simultaneous advance by the Iraqi Army who pushed north from Qayarrah.

Mosul-Raqqa Road

Hundreds of Islamic State (ISIS) militants have escaped from Iraq’s Nineveh Governorate, taking the Ba’aj road to Syria. Officials and military officers reported on Tuesday that civilians accompanied the jihadists as the fled west, ahead of advancing Kurdish and Iraqi columns.

Kurdish Peshmerga commander Qassim Shesho confirmed that a large number of ISIS jihadists have fled Mosul’s countryside through the Ba’aj road.

The Ba’aj road rarely appears on maps. It is an unofficial roadway created by ISIS, connecting Mosul city in northern Iraq to Raqqa city in central Syria.

On Saturday, dozens of ISIS jihadists arrived in the Syrian border town of Margada along with their families. The jihadists came from positions in Iraq’s northwestern Nineveh Governorate, which have been evacuated.

Local sources told ARA News that more than 90 ISIS militant had made the journey in a staggered convoy. Eyewitnesses reported that the militants were accompanied by at least 25 civilian families, who were reportedly their relatives.

Also on Saturday, several ISIS military vehicles passed through al-Qa’im crossing on the Syrian-Iraqi border. The vehicles continued on to al-Bukamal city in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor Governorate.

Local media activist Ahmed Hamwi told ARA News: “The vehicles crossed the border in the early morning on Saturday, carrying weapons and dozens of ISIS fighters.”

Reporting by: Jamil Mukarram

Source: ARA News

We Have a Solution for Mosul and Middle East Crisis: PKK Foreign Relations Head Riza Altun

 

                                                Riza Altun, head of PKK foreign relations 

We Have a Solution for Mosul and Middle East Crisis: PKK Foreign Relations Head Riza Altun
Riza Altun, head of foreign relations for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and a Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) Executive Council member, has spoken to journalist Erdal Er about the on-going Mosul operation, Turkey’s plans and the stance of the PKK in the upcoming period.

The Mosul operation has begun. Can you assess the first few days, what is the situation?

The operation isn’t moving forward in consensus. Iraqi forces are spearheading the operation officially and the international coalition is supporting it. These are the main forces that will enter Mosul. Turkey has been left out of this process. Peshmerga forces will not enter the city and remain on the outskirts. So will the Shi’ite Al-Hashd Al-Sha’abi [PMU]. It seems that this is also the case for Al-Hashd Al-Watani. This is the basis the operation has been founded on.

What are the dangers without a consensus?

The operation’s command centre is problematic. Each force has a different calculation in Mosul and it’s not an easy target. These forces want to carve a place for themselves in Middle Eastern politics with the operation.

There are many different forces in Mosul. There are potential forces that could ally with Daesh (IS/ISIS).

There are powers like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who despite saying they want to be involved in the operation, have ties to Daesh. It is not clear what role they will play yet. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is in the middle and it isn’t clear yet what it will do in a situation that is constantly changing. So it is difficult to say what will happen at this moment.

What will happen if the coalition or Iraqi forces cannot get results and the operation fails?
Then the operation will withdraw –which will be a disaster and lead to Daesh taking initiative– or the coalition and Iraqi forces will have to form an alliance with other powers. This will be difficult from the beginning. However it looks very likely.

Let’s say Daesh is defeated, what will happen to Mosul?

That is when the real problems will start. Kurds, various Sunni groups have claims [on Mosul]. Shi’ites have claims, so do regional powers.

International powers

International forces’ plans aren’t that clear, but we all know that they have deep-rooted, extensive calculations. They want to make claims on the Middle East and/or secure their interests. They are moving forward wearily, constantly evaluating each moment, their relations and conflicts and the results of these.

Iraq

The central Iraqi government wants to protect its federal structure. If it finds the opportunity it wants to consolidate its power and form hegemony. For example it has issues with Kurds. Even though there is a federation there are still areas under contention. In this regard there are problems with the federal structure arising due to the central government.

South Kurdistan

There are serious poblems and demands in the South Kurdistan front. There are the disputed areas. There is the issue of Kirkuk. There are issues with what we call Iraq’s central region. In other words the designating of a Kurdish border, the expansion of the Kurdish federation’s authority, and similar matters. Furthermore there is Tuz Khurmatu, Diyala and other areas with serious issues and disputes. These need to be solved. There are two approaches: continuing with a federal structure or an independent Kurdistan. Both approaches are still valid. Even though there are still uncertainties the Kurdish people want a solution.

Iran

Iran approaches issues from a Shi’ite perspective. It wants to be a regional hegemonic power and constantly incites the Iraqi government’s Shi’ite character and then supports it to consolidate Shia dominance in Iraq.

Turkey

Turkey is implementing a similar policy to Iran using Sunnis. It also has historical claims due to its Ottoman past; Erdogan and the AKP government are using these as strategic claims. From the beginning they have constructed their Middle East policy based on this and see Mosul as Ottoman land. Erdogan’s invocation of the Lausanne Agreement recently is due to this. He wants the National Pact of 1920 to be reviewed to claim rights on Aleppo, Mosul and Kirkuk. Turkey’s calculation in this regard is very dark and dirty. On one hand it wants to wreak havoc to form hegemony based on the Ottoman tradition and on the other it is trying to create Sunni domination using its ties with Salafist forces in Iraq and Syria.

Amongst all these contradictions and conflicts, what do you as the PKK think about the Mosul operation, what are your suggestions?

We want the issues of the Middle East to be solved within a perspective that is egalitarian, liberationist, just and democratic and are struggling for this. This is a policy for Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran. Our leader (Abdullah Öcalan) has reiterated this many times. We are struggling against religious, racial, ethnic and sexual discrimination. Our principle for solving problems is equality. We want this also for Mosul.

Could you elaborate a little?

We base our struggle on the unity and fraternity of peoples and democracy. This approach, as the Middle East is being reshaped, means freedom for everyone. We are waging a struggle and also trying to grow it. It will be difficult to create a free Kurdistan in a Middle East that isn’t free. We want a free Kurdistan in a Middle East where all diversities have a place and voice.

The political-military struggle we were waging in the Middle East and Kurdistan before Daesh was based on this axis. We furthered our fight based on the democratisation of Kurdistan and the Middle East. After Daesh this was better understood. It affected the Middle East because it appealed to its reality. When the Salafist line gained headway, we proved our position and the side we were on with this political and military approach. We gained positive results in Syria, Iraq, Mosul, Kirkuk and many other places. This is our approach to Mosul too.

Can the PKK’s suggestion be a model for Mosul?

All the risks in Mosul could be eliminated if the policies we foresee are implemented. Mosul is a mosaic of peoples: Shi’ites, Sunnis, Kurds, Assyrians, Yazidis. I listed how the other forces view this mosaic above. Each one views it from its own perspective.

Their approaches are problematic because they are self-centred. This is also how they are approaching the operation. How much can the Shi’ites accept the Sunnis, the Turkmen the Arabs or Kurds? There is not a single force or political line that represents all these groups or approaches them in an equal way.

Of course these issues cannot be solved with traditional approaches. We are talking about a political, social organisation in which all these diverse groups can find representation. A relationship and administration that is founded on equal rights. Our proposal for a confederal system is a model that can resolve the crisis in the Middle East. Therefore we want to participate in the Mosul operation with this approach.

Will you join the operation?

We have a political strategy we have developed in the Middle East. Our approach and path is evident.
When no other force could fight against Daesh we stood up and stopped them in Sinjar, Makhmour and Kirkuk fronts. Now some powers have said they don’t want our participation. We believe this is because of regional powers.

Who are these regional powers?

Turkey is active in this regard. Turkey’s new anti-Kurdish policy was founded on the premise, ‘The PKK fought Daesh and became a power in the region. If we can take the Daesh card away from the PKK and present ourselves as the best force against Daesh we can defeat the PKK and bury the Kurds’ in the dustbin of history.’ This is why Turkey is so intent on joining the Mosul operation and preventing the PKK’s participation.

Turkey hasn’t limited its stance to political and military means; it has also resorted to blackmail policies that have put the region and relations at risk. It has turned the PKK’s involvement into a matter of life or death. Turkey’s worry isn’t to solve the problems in Iraq or Mosul. It is to prevent the Kurds from gaining rights and the PKK from becoming a part of the process. This is why it is pressuring the coalition forces and Iraqi regime.

Of course this isn’t just limited to Turkey; Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also involved. They are also in an active position. They want to also eliminate the PKK. We know that the KDP has a role in this too. The PKK was declared a red line in recent meetings between [Iraq Prime Minister] Abadi and the KDP. There is a common axis that is trying to prevent the PKK from expanding its political area of influence. They see this as a danger to their interests.

We will continue our struggle in the Middle East based on our principles. Turkey and other similar powers do not have a solution but we do. Naturally we are going to continue defending the existence and gains of our people.

What is your plan of action from now on?

We will continue walking our own path but will also view how the Mosul operation develops, how it will affect the balance of power and its results. We have never had and will never have the intention of severing ourselves from the process. There is an anti-Kurdish stance led by the Turkish state. We know that the Turkish state wants to eradicate the PKK as part of this anti-Kurdish policy.

We have known for a long time that as part of this policy they want to conduct an operation on Sinjar. A potential operation is definitely connected to the Mosul operation. It is a reflection of the political-military plans in Mosul. Secondly, it is not clear what Turkey and the KDP want to do with Makhmour and Kirkuk. Furthermore the same goes for the Medya Defence Zones [areas controlled by the PKK in South Kurdistan (KRG)]. Naturally we will continue defending our positions.

Are you prepared?

Of course. We have been making preparations since we declared our readiness to join the Mosul operation. Both militarily and politically. We have arrived at this moment by engaging in political, diplomatic efforts. This is a result. We are also ready militarily to take action when the situation arises.

Are diplomatic efforts continuing with coalition forces, the Iraqi government and other powers?
Certainly. However there are no concrete results as of yet. As I said, they have started but we will see how things develop and what results we get. We can say this though: the PKK isn’t going to watch the process from the sidelines, it is going to be leading the way for a solution.


Source: Yeni Özgür Politika

Iraq : Mosul and its Post Liberation Cantonisation on Ethnic Lines warns York University professor Sabah Alnasseriy

Democracy and Class Struggle says The Mosul Model is a  film from the recent past - from the film you can see the contradictions which led to the rise of ISIL especially treatment of Baath Party members and ex soldiers.

Sabah Alnasseriy of York University in Canada paints a worrying picture of the future of Mosul with its possible Cantonisation in the Real News Interview above.

We only hope that the Liberation of Mosul will bring a multi ethnic council to rule Mosul and sectarianism will be avoided - but that may be just wishful thinking - the reality may be much worse.

Syria and Iraq Military Report for October 20th 2016 : Tal Rifaat and Syrian Kurdish struggle with Turkey

Democracy and Class Struggle says this Report covers Tal Rifaat and Kurdish Struggle with Turkey and its proxies like FSA.

USA: 13 Officers Withdrawn from North Dakota Following Arrest of Madison Elected Official

Philippines: Duterte Announces "Separation" From US

The Final Clinton vs Trump Debate by Trevor Noah

The Turkish military said its fighter jets hit Syrian Kurdish targets in Northern Syria

Democracy and Class Struggle see this attack on the YPG as part of US and Russian duplicity towards Kurds and accommodation to Turkey and its "interests". 

The Turkish military said its fighter jets hit Syrian Kurdish targets in northern Syria, and killed up to 200 fighters, according to state media.

The jets hit 18 targets in Maarrat Umm Hawsh, a region north of the city of Aleppo, the official news agency Anadolu said.

Quoting the army, the report claimed that between 160 and 200 fighters from the YPG (People's Protection Units) group were killed in the raids on Wednesday night.

A Syrian-Kurdish forces leader, however, said that while Turkish jets and artillery were attacking, no more than 10 fighters had been killed so far.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said at least nine YPG fighters were confirmed killed and 26 people were injured in some 20 raids.

Anadolu said nine buildings used as YPG headquarters, meeting points, shelters and weapons depots were destroyed as well as four vehicles.

Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify the death toll.

The Anadolu report said the YPG had attacked Turkish-backed Syrian rebels. However, the Observatory said it had no information on such an incident.

US-Turkey tension over Syria

In August, Turkey launched a ground operation in northern Syria, targeting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group and the YPG, and continues to maintain a military presence in the neighbouring country.

The US considers the YPG to be a key force in the fight against ISIL in Syria.

Turkey says the group is an extension of its own outlawed Kurdish fighters - the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - who have carried out a series of deadly attacks in Turkey over the past year.

Tensions between Turkey and the US have increased over the YPG, but Ankara has repeatedly said it will not allow a "terror corridor" on its southern border and wants to prevent the joining of the Kurdish "cantons" of Afrin and Kobane.

"It will be interesting to see what the United States has to say about the attack Turkey has carried out on the force [the US] sees as effective in fighting ISIL in Syria ," said Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow, reporting from Gaziantep - a Turkish border town near Syria.

Turkey entered the Syrian war to try and remove ISIL from its border - which last month Ankara said it achieved - while also aiming to halt the westward advance of the YPG.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey would not "wait for terrorist organisations to come and attack us" during a speech in Ankara.

"These organisations, wherever their activities are, wherever they are nesting, we will go [there]," he said.

Source: Agencies

Russia Creates Outpost to Fight ISIS Terrorists Fleeing Iraq

Democracy and Class Struggle Western "aided"  ISIL forces leaving Mosul moving into Syria will meet with Russian and Syrian Forces - the perfidiousness of the Western Coalition are pushing ISIL forces leaving Mosul to attack Syria.

PS: The Commentary on this video has disappeared - hope it returns

Magnitogorsk to Anshan - the Struggle for Workers Democracy in the 20th Century

Magnitogorsk  

Democracy and Class Struggle says French comrades recently made a video about the Long March of the Chinese Revolution which mentions Magnitogorsk and Anshan.

From Magnitogorsk to Anshan - contrasting the developing ideas of Socialism in both the Soviet Union and People's China

Magnitogorsk would be a major city, built largely in secret, on the eastern side of the extreme southwest Urals Mountains on the Ural River in the Chelyabinsk Oblast of the RFSFR. 

There was at this locality a geologic anomaly – namely, a mountain almost entirely made of iron. 

The River locale made it accessible to supply of whatever might be needed to develop this resource for the Soviet Government. 

It would become the world’s largest city devoted to iron and steel manufacturing dwarfing Pittsburgh in size and extent. 

Joseph Stalin had learned of this mountain in his youth, and had climbed it, and had over the years consulted many geologists and engineers about the possibility of exploiting this resource. 

As many young people do he had experimented with a magnetic compass while climbing and had seen how the compass went crazy in different directions according to where one happened to be at the moment. Now he would put that knowledge to work.

 Everything for Magnetic Mountain and it’s A to Z steel manufacturing complex at the center of a satellite of cities devoted to large-scale industrial manufacturing plants, had to be imported to the chosen site and implanted into the virgin land. 

During the years of its construction (the 1930’ s) every attempt was made to jump ahead in social organization along lines which would serve as a “model” for new socialist humanity. 

For a wonderful exposition of what Stalinist Socialism could and did achieve

 I recommend the book Magnetic Mountain: Stalinism as a Civilization, Stephen Korkin, 1995, University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles. 

Great advances were made in the development of education from kindergarten through tertiary levels of university and technical institutes. 

Great advances were made in training working people to discuss daily events from the class struggle perspective to determine what a ”socialist” course and/ or perspective should look like on each of the many issues arising in Soviet life. 

At the same time old ideas, some then contemporary Bolshevik ideas, were set aside in favor of publicly discussed and agreed upon modifications (as in the areas of marriage, divorce and abortion.

No area of cultural life was ignored as the buildings comprising Magnetic Mountain were constructed to house every area of social as well as technological life.

Source : Jason B Smith ABC Of Communism 2016

Note On The “Charter Of The Anshan Iron And Steel Company

This report of the Anshan party committee is very good. The more one reads it the more delighted one gets. It doesn’t strike one as too long, in fact, one would be willing to read it even if it were longer; this is because the problems raised in the report are factual, well reasoned, and very absorbing. 

With more than 100,000 workers and staff members, the Anshan Iron and Steel Company is the country’s biggest enterprise. 

Formerly, people there thought that their enterprise was a modernized one and there was no need for technical revolution. 

They were opposed to launching vigorous mass movements, to the principle of cadre participation in productive labor and worker participation in management, of reform of irrational and outdated rules and regulations and of close cooperation among cadres, workers, and technicians, and opposed to putting politics in command..; they relied on just a few people working in seclusion. 

Many favored the system of placing responsibility solely on the factory director and were against the system of the factory director designated to undertake responsibility under the leadership of the party committee. 

They held that the “Charter of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine” (a set of authoritative rules practiced in a big steel plant in the Soviet Union) was sacred.

That was the situation up to the Great Leap Forward in 1958, which marked the first stage. The year 1959 marked the second stage, when people began to think things over, began to have faith in the mass movement, and began to question the system of placing responsibility solely on the factory director and the Charter of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine. 

During the Lushan Meeting of July 1959, the Central Committee received a good report from them, which spoke in favor of the Great Leap Forward, of opposing the right deviation and making utmost exertions; it also put forward a high but practicable target. 

The Central Committee was extremely pleased with the report and had it circulated ! to the comrades concerned with its comment. They immediately relayed it by telephone to their respective provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, thus helping the struggle going on at the time to criticize right opportunism. 

The present report (March 1960) takes another step forward; it does not smack of the Charter of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine, but has given birth to a Charter of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company. 

Here emerges the Charter of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company in China, in the Far East. This marks the third stage. Now this report is being passed on to you and you are asked to transmit it to the large and medium-sized enterprises under your administration and to party committees of all large and medium-sized cities and, of course, you may also transmit it to prefectural party committees and other cities.

It should be used as a document for study by cadres in order to stimulate their minds and make them think about the affairs in their own units, so that under due leadership a great Marxist-Leninist movement of economic and technical revolution will be carried out link by link and wave upon wave in the cities and the country side during the whole year of 1960.

Source : Mao Zedong Collected Works 1960

Constitution of Anshan Iron and Steel Company Spurs Revolution And Production

Source: Peking Review, No. 16, April 17, 1970
Transcribed by www.wengewang.org

ILLUMINATED by the Constitution of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company formulated personally by our great leader Chairman Mao, China's biggest iron and steel centre Anshan is marching with big strides in line with Mao Tsetung Thought. Revolution and production in Anshan have been developing vigorously, and a prosperous and flourishing new atmosphere prevails.

Since entering the great 1970s, the company's workers, revolutionary cadres and technicians, in close combination with struggle-criticism-transformation, have launched a new high tide of living study and application of Mao Tsetung Thought, centred on implementing the Constitution of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company.

Factories and mines of the company have all organized Mao Tsetung Thought study classes to implement the Anshan constitution in an all-round way and held meetings to exchange experience in this work.

In the mines, at the side of furnaces and in the workshops, the workers carried out revolutionary mass criticism along with the revolutionary cadres and technicians.

With the Anshan constitution as their weapon, they angrily denounced and thoroughly criticized the towering crimes committed by the renegade, hidden traitor and scab Liu Shao-chi and his agents in pushing the counter-revolutionary revisionist line in running enterprises.

Careful study and mass criticism have helped the revolutionary broad masses grasp more fully the Anshan constitution and tremendously raised their consciousness of the struggle between the two lines.

This has propelled the mass movement of struggle-criticism-transformation in the company forward with gathering momentum and resulted in successive new victories in revolution and production.

Since the beginning of this year, the output of pig iron, steel, steel billets, rolled steel, coke, sintered ore and other main products has risen steadily and the consumption of raw and other materials and fuel has dropped notably, and the time for per heat of steel has been shortened.

The company's steel mills are producing cold-rolled silicon-steel sheets in rolls and other new products, thus filling up some blanks in the varieties of rolled steel in China.

The Constitution of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company was formulated personally by our great leader Chairman Mao on March 22, 1960. During the high tide of the Great Leap Forward in 1958, the workers at Anshan held high the great red banner of Mao Tsetung Thought, displayed the revolutionary spirit of daring to think and act and waged resolute struggles against the revisionist line in running enterprises,

They firmly placed politics in command, launched vigorous mass movements, went full steam ahead with technical innovations and technical revolution, and achieved fruitful results.

Chairman Mao summed up the great creative experience of the Chinese working class and in sharp contrast to the Soviet revisionist "Constitution of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine'' (the revisionist system of management practised in the Soviet Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine), he formulated the Constitution of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company.

In it he laid down the five fundamental principles for running socialist enterprises well, namely.

 "Keep politics firmly in command; strengthen Party leadership; launch vigorous mass movements; institute the system of cadre participation in productive labour and worker participation in management, of reform of irrational and outdated rules and regulations, and of close co-operation among workers, cadres and technicians; and go full steam ahead with the technical innovations and technical revolution."

The great Anshan constitution emerged like the red sun in China and the Far East.

It lights up the road for the proletariat in running enterprises. But before the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, Liu Shao-chi and his agents at Anshan, frightened to death by the Anshan constitution, bitterly hated it and stubbornly blocked it from reaching the masses and resisted it frantically.

They feverishly pushed the "Magnitogorsk constitution." They advocated such counter-revolutionary revisionist fallacies as "relying on experts to run the factories," "production first," "putting profits in command" and "material incentives," and put down the vigorous mass movements in an attempt to misdirect the Anshan Iron and Steel Company on to the evil road of capitalism.

The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution personally initiated and led by our great leader Chairman Mao has cleared the way for the proletariat to run factories and all economic undertakings.

On March 22, 19G8, the Anshan Municipal Revolutionary Committee was set up. The first plenary session of the Committee passed a decision for firm implementation of the Anshan constitution.

Thus, the great Anshan constitution which had long been pigeonholed by Liu Shao-chi and company swiftly became known to the workers and immediately gave great impetus to the enterprise.

Under the leadership and with the assistance of the revolutionary committees at various levels and the People's Liberation Army men supporting the Left, the revolutionary masses hold high the banner of the Anshan constitution.

They have carried out sustained revolutionary mass criticism and firmly adhered to the five principles of the Anshan constitution 10 guide and promote the struggle-criticism-transformation in a determined effort to turn the Anshan Iron and Steel Company into a great red school of Mao Tsetung Thought.

 As a result of the unprecedented revolutionary vigour and enthusiasm on the part of the cadres and workers, production quotas have been overfullfilled one after another.

In 1969 alone, over 430 new products were successfully trial-produced and more than 2,000 technical innovations were introduced. The vigorous development of revolution and production fully shows the tremendous power of the Anshan constitution.

   Chairman Mao teaches us: "There is no construction without destruction. Destruction means criticism and repudiation, it means revolution." Through practice over the past two years, the revolutionary masses at Anshan have understood profoundly that full implementation of the Anshan constitution requires a profound ideological revolution, deep-going and sustained revolutionary mass criticism, relentless criticism of the "Constitution of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine" and thorough elimination of the remaining pernicious influence of its revisionist line for running enterprises.

In line with Chairman Mao's great teachings Politics is the commander, the soul in everything and "Political work is the life-blood of all economic work," workers at Anshan, holding high the banner of revolutionary mass criticism, roundly criticized the towering crimes committed by Liu Shao-chi and his agents in plotting capitalist restoration by peddling the "Constitution of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Combine*1 and such counter-revolutionary revisionist trash as "putting profits in command"' and "material incentives."

Through revolutionary mass criticism, they have been able to distinguish more clearly between the revisionist line in running enterprises and Chairman Mao's proletarian revolutionary line. This has increased their determination to give prominence to proletarian politics.

The revolutionary masses of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company's seamless tubing mill said: "When we put politics in command, the situation is completely new; otherwise, it would be lifeless. The capitalist roaders of the mill stubbornly pushed Liu Shao-chi's counter-revolutionary revisionist trash such as 'using economic methods to manage economic undertakings' and 'doing whatever is profitable'; regardless of the interests of the state, the capitalist roaders spread the fallacy that 'the mill will not accept orders for processing steel tubes which are wanted in small numbers, which must meet high and stringent standards, which are difficult to produce and which are of the same specifications.'

As a result, they misdirected our socialist enterprises on to the road of capitalism and production was lifeless." After the establishment of the mill's revolutionary committee, taking the Anshan constitution as their weapon, the revolutionary masses undertook deep-going and sustained revolutionary mass criticism of the fallacy whose essence was "putting profits in command

." Thus the way was cleared for giving prominence to proletarian politics and the workers' revolutionary initiative and creativeness was greatly stimulated.

They persevere in using Mao Tsetung Thought to command everything, always bear in mind the interests of the country and dare to shoulder heavy tasks for the revolution. They are ingenious in finding ways to expand the types and specifications of products and have turned out large numbers of very big, long, thick, thin and hard seamless steel tubes which were considered impossible in the past.

The number of types and specifications is well above the total for the previous 13 years and production is now more than double the originally designed capacity.

Chairman Mao teaches us: "The force at the core leading our cause forward is the Chinese Communist Party," "Without the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party no revolution can succeed."

While intensively studying and conscientiously implementing the Constitution of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company, workers and revolutionary cadres at Anshan have studied once again these great teachings of Chairman Mao's and received a profound education.

They have conscientiously studied Chairman Mao's great programme for consolidating and building the Party and the new Party Constitution, and scathingly criticized the crimes of Liu Shao-chi and his agents in pushing "relying on experts to run the factories" and the "system of one-man leadership" in an attempt to abolish Party leadership.

This has helped them understand even more deeply the greatness, glory and correctness of the Chinese Communist Party founded and nurtured by our great leader Chairman Mao himself. They said that only by putting the socialist enterprises under the absolute leadership of the Party could there be guarantee that the socialist enterprises would never change their nature and would always march forward victoriously along Chairman Mao's proletarian revolutionary line.

They all pledged to firmly establish the concept of Party leadership, actively and consciously follow Party leadership and uphold it, unite closely around the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party with Chairman Mao as its leader and Vice-Chairman Lin as its deputy leader, closely follow Chairman Mao's great strategic plan and continue to win new victories in both revolution and production.

In implementing the Constitution of the Anshan Iron and Steel Company, the leading members of the revolutionary committees at all levels and the workers have condemned the heinous crimes of Liu Shao-chi and his agents in sabotaging the "launching of vigorous mass movements" and "the system of cadre participation in productive labour and worker participation in management, of reform of irrational and outdated rules and regulations, and of close co-operation among workers, cadres and technicians."

They have established the system of cadre participation in collective productive labour and elected a great number of advanced workers to the leading groups of the revolutionary committees at all levels to lead and manage socialist enterprises.

Many plants and mining enterprises have set up "three-in-one" combination groups consisting of the workers, who form the main body, and the technicians and revolutionary cadres. 

In close co-operation, they have vigorously carried out technical revolution and actively and carefully changed irrational and outdated rules and regulations. This has resulted in a rapid development in production.

Big clumsy and outmoded equipment which the capitalist roaders and the bourgeois "authorities" considered unalterable has been greatly improved by the "three-in-one" technical innovation groups and is now playing a greater role in production.

The company's revolutionary committees at all levels are now summing up their experience and noting where they still lag behind the advanced enterprises.

They are determined to hold still higher the brilliant banner of the Anshan constitution, speed up the work of struggle-criticism-transformation, achieve still greater victories in both revolution and production, and win honour for our great leader Chairman Mao and our great socialist motherland.