Gathered under the banner of Tamil nationalist party -Naam Tamizhar Katchi in Chennai to commemorate the memory of Tamil nationalist Thiru Sankaralinganar on his 65th martyrdom day, nationalists from across the spectrum -Tamils, Nagas, Sikhs and Borok peoples at a Seminar challenged India’s unitary framework and emphasized the need for protecting and preserving distinct and unique identities of nationalities, regional identities, indigenous peoples and others as there is growing intolerance and federalism has miserably failed the populace. WSN reports.

Commemorating the 65th martyrdom anniversary of Thamizh stalwart, Thiru. Sankaralinganar, who fasted for 77 days, demanding to rename the erstwhile ‘Madras State’ as ‘Thamizh Nadu’, and later died for the just cause on 13 October 1956, Naam Tamilar Katchi cadres and human rights activists paid rich floral and poetic tributes and vowed to continue his Tamil nationalism legacy.

Welcoming the ethnic nationalist leaders from Nagaland, Punjab and Tripura, NTK leader Senthamizhan Seeman said that this was a great opportunity when struggling nationalities have come together and we are particularly glad that Naam Tamilar Katchi has had the privilege of hosting this platform. Let me say it loud and clear that the Nagas, Sikhs and Twiprasa Borok indigenous peoples have our support and we will continue to show solidarity with them and stand by them. 

“Thiru Sankaralinganar did not die in vain. It was because of his sacrifice that Tamil Nadu got its name, even if it achieved this 12 years after his demise,” said NTK chief coordinator Seeman, paying tributes to him.

“I am deeply conscious of the fact that those nationalities who talk about rights are dubbed as anti-national and terrorists by the Congress and the BJP. It is very sad that Tamil parties pay only lip service to the cause of true federalist governance,” he added.

Adding more fodder to the ongoing Dravidian-Tamil debate, Seeman said that the Dravidian parties have failed to preserve, protect and uphold Thamizh identity. 

A delegation of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), especially came to Chennai to share the story of the Naga people with the NTK team and leaders from other nationalities.

Neingulo Krome of the NPMHR appreciated the efforts of the Naam Tamilar Katchi in holding this historic seminar, which has very well served as an opportunity for various nationalities to express their views to the audience. He said that “though the government of India is dilly-dallying and is always on the offensive against struggling nationalities, I am confident that the solidarity that we have forged will help us all.”  

The repression of Nagas during their armed struggle and also while political talks have reinforced our resolve to evolve a solution without compromising Naga honour and respect. He was hopeful that, “Nagas will attain justice as theirs is a pure-hearted struggle for their peoples.”

Does the so-called land of Gandhi honour the role and practice of non-violence? Thamizh Thesiya Periyakkam general secretary Ki. Venkataraman said “All talk of non-violence is a bogey to suppress people and perpetuate state-orchestrated violence. As far as demands of nationalistic identities are concerned it totally disrespects such leaders who fast for their rights. The martyrdom of Thiru Sankaralinganar is a case in point.”  

He pointed out to the audience, “how so-called liberal India totally disrespected the 16-year-long fast of Manipuri leader Irom Chanu Sharmila for removing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the statute could put any leadership and people to shame.”

Discussing the failure of the current federalism as practised in the states and at the Union level, Venkatraman said, “We are living in dangerous times. The influx of unwanted populations to change demographic dynamics will have serious repercussions to the functioning of democracy in India, virtually leading nationalities to work for the right to self-determination.”

Seeking support from all struggling nationalities, Tripura People’s Front President -Patal Kanya Jamatia, landing from Agartala, highlighted the trials and tribulations of the indigenous Twiprasa Borok people of Tripura, the dangers to their life and culture, the loot of their forests and environment, the non-devolution of administrative and political power on the local population and the grave danger of infiltration of Bangladeshi infiltrators from across the border making them second-class citizens in their own land.

She apprised the audience that the TPF slogan was “Our Land Our Right” so that they could counter the domination of illegal immigrants. She endorsed the call of Seeman for states to be governed by sons of the soil.

Political activist-editor Parmjeet Singh Gazi of Sikh Siyasat from Punjab reminded the audience that the Indian Union has not respected the critical aspirations of ethnic nationals. They have trampled the rights of peoples and that of states, usurping power for the Union. So much so that centralization of power has become a disease that needs to be cured while suffering pain and agony. 

Elaborating the philosophy of standing by with those who are at the receiving end of the repression of the governments, Parmjeet Singh elaborated that following Sikh philosophy,  he and his associates and Sikhs, in general, would also be ready to lend support.  We live by the principle of Sarbat da Bhalla -welfare for all humankind. 

Young spokesperson of the pro-freedom Dal Khalsa party -Paramjit Singh Mand recalled how like Martyr Sankaralinganar of Thamizh Nadu, Darshan Singh Pheruman also fasted till death for 74 days to uphold the cause of Punjab.  He categorically stated that while his party appreciated the status of all nationalities, his party Dal Khalsa was convinced, based on the experience of the sinister working of the Indian state, that they will continue to peacefully work through the right to self-determination for an independent and sovereign Punjab.

 

With a show of hands amidst sloganeering the resolution calling for the rejection of the unitary approach of the Union government with its heavy tilt towards divisive Hindutva. All states at all times with all their problems cannot have one same solution. “Today’s meet is a head-on challenge to the unitary agenda,” read the resolution.

Adopting another resolution to imbibe the contribution of Tamil nationalist leaders like martyr Sankaralinganar, Naam Tamilar Katchi urged the Tamil Nadu state government to install a portrait of Thiru Sankaralinganar at all district offices of the state and every year observe his remembrance day on 13 October and make Tamils aware of his sacrifice.

Adding a touch of finality to the day-long deliberations, Thamizh Thesiya Periyakkam President Pe. Maniyarasan emphasized that the one thing that unites speakers from Tripura, Nagaland, Punjab, and Thamizh Nadu is their sovereign status and their yearnings and aspiration to preserve their identity, culture and commitment to fight for justice.