MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 33

DARK DAYS OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY 1975 – 1977

Consequent to the glorious Railway strike of 1974, a series of struggles and agitations took place in various sectors, including Central and state governments. It was during this period that Allahabad High Court delivered an explosive judgment nullifying election of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was a bolt from blue. To overcome this situation and subdue agitations, draconian ‘National Emergency’ was declared on 25thJune. It was quite unwarranted. Fully unjustified.

Thousands of opposition party leaders, including M.P.s and MLAs, were arrested and jailed within days of declaration. Many leaders of central trade unions and service unions jailed. Any speech, write-up, criticism against central government was treated as treason and ‘culprits’ jailed. Many student leaders were arrested and tortured. Full censure of newspapers. Entire matter to be shown to censor before printing. Police can enter anywhere and arrest anybody at their sweet will. Democratic rights torn apart. Terrific fascist move to save the chair.

A National Convention by Central- State Employees’ Federations was decided to be held at New Delhi by the end of June 1975. As a delegate from Calicut, I started by train to participate in the same. Reached Delhi in the morning of 26th. New Delhi Railway Station was full of police and CRPF. Comrades who had come to receive us told that National Emergency has been proclaimed and many leaders arrested. We were taken to the official quarters of Com. Jyothirmoyi Basu, M.P. He had already gone underground to avoid arrest. We were directed not to go outside, to be safe.

Since I had been to Delhi several times before and knew where abouts, went to 4, Ashoka Road, official quarters of Com.A.K.Gopalan M.P. to get further information. I used to visit there every time when in Delhi. Com.A.K.G. was in Kerala. Spoke with Com.Narikkutty Mohanan, correspondent of Deshabhimani who was there. He expressed difficulty in passing news to Deshabhimani newspaper, Kerala, since not getting trunk calls. STD and mobile phones were not introduced.

At that time, Com.K.Prabhakaran, P and T leader, Ernakulam, called. Com.Mohanan gave the phone to me. I asked Com.Prabhakaran to connect Ernakulam Deshabhimani office. Com. Mohanan passed all latest information in connection with Emergency, including arrest of opposition leaders.

Deshabhimani daily next day came with all the news, which no other Malayalam papers have received. I remember that there was also a caricature of Prime Minister of Indira Gandhi with a sword in her hand. Com.Narikkutty was questioned several times by the police about the news. There was no proof against him since there was no record of any outgoing or incoming trunk call. There was no telegram. He escaped arrest and jail.

National convention did not take place. On the day fixed for Convention, Mavlankar Hall and premises were surrounded by police. Organisers had already cancelled the Convention. Many comrades who came to the Convention were arrested and jailed later.

Leaders of central and state government employees in W.Bengal, Assam and other states were arrested. In Kerala, NFPTE leaders Com.K.Prabhakaran (Ernakulam), M.G.Sasidhara Kurup (Alleppey), K.Madhavan (Trivandrum), V.Sasidharan Nair (Neyyattinkara), V.A.Ouseph and Sathyanathan (Calicut), were among the arrested.

Arrest at Calicut

As always, trunk lines were busy and calls were naturally being delayed on that day also. State Minister Shri K.G.Adiyodi had booked a trunk call. After some time he called trunk enquiry number 181. Since there was a good number persons calling 181 and it was call queue, there was some delay. He was infuriated and abused the operator and threatened arrest.

Emergency period. Minister immediately called police and asked to arrest the operator. Police rushed to trunk exchange. But Com.Sathyanathan, concerned telephone operator, was shifted from exchange by union leaders before arrival of police. For about one month Sathyanathan was shifted from place to place to avoid arrest. Com.V.A.Ouseph was managing this operation. At last police managed to arrest both Ouseph and Sathyanathan. Sent them to Central jail, Cannanore.

The police took me twice in to custody. The first time they called me to Police Station and warned me about holding of union meetings and addressing them.

Second time, it was in a dramatic manner. I was returning home after morning duty at about 02.00 P.M. When I reached in front of northern gate of office of City Police Commissioner, two constables in mufti stopped me and asked me to get in to their car as S.I. of Police wanted to see me. I told that I can come to police station, after taking lunch from home. They were in no mood to agree. Since I understood that they will forcibly push me in to the car, I agreed. They took me to the Puthiyara Police Station. SI had gone for lunch. They left me in the room and went outside.

Immediately I called 198 (Fault Repair), the section where I used to work and informed that I am in Police Station. Within 10 -15 minutes many comrades from exchange reached police station in cycle and by walk. My wife Pankajam came with lunch. Police was baffled as to how information got leaked and so many persons came within minutes.

Sub Inspector arrived, asked me a few questions. He told our comrades that I will be released after some questioning and there is nothing to worry. They left. By about 06.00 PM, SI told me that police will take me in their vehicle to my house. I said it is only walkable distance and I can walk. He insisted. I got in the police van.

When it reached near my residence, I told driver to stop. But without speaking he continued driving. For about one hour the van rounded here and there and at last stopped at an old two storied building. In the darkness, I could not identify the building or the place. (to be continued)Photos 1. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 2. Com V.A.Ouseph. 3. V.A.N.Namboodiri 4. K.Prabhakaran. 5. Deshabhimani with Emergency news

MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 34

DARK DAYS OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY 1975 – 77 (Contd)

I was taken to a large room upstairs. A police officer in civil dress was sitting in front of a large table. Later I understood that he was Superintendent of Police. I was given a seat in front of him. Two burly muscular police officers in uniform were sitting on other end, whom I could identify as Dy. Superintendents.

There were two or three large files in front of SP. He was cordial and started asking many questions, going through files about my place of birth, schools studied, job details, union activities, agitations, transfers etc. etc. I could understand that details in the files were about me. I have known earlier that certain branches of police used to keep such files of union office bearers. When I joined Ernakulam on transfer in 1970, one police officer called me and enquired certain information. When I asked him how he knew that I was at Ernakulam, he told that such information are regularly updated by them. Hence no surprise here.

Questioning continued for some time. In between, when any telephone call came, I was asked to go to next room and will be called back after call. Phone calls became frequent.

At this stage, SP told officers that they can leave. He told me that there are serious complaints about me including sabotage as also about my speeches against Emergency in union meetings. He confided that a certain senior political leader wanted me to be taken in to custody and jailed. He said that since there is no incriminating evidence against me, I am being allowed to go. With a smile, he asked whether I know him. I said no. Then he told that he was class mate of my eldest brother and he knew me well. It was a surprise.

He asked his personal driver to take me home. I still had doubts and told that I can go by auto riksha. He insisted. I got in and driver started car. Now recognised the place and building which was near West Hill maidan.

When car reached near Police Commissioner Office, got down. Walked to telephone exchange. Large number of workers had gathered there discussing what to be done about my arrest. When they saw me, they were happy and shouted slogans of welcome. Told them what happened, except the personal part of what SP told. This was not disclosed till recently. I am mentioning now, since at least once have to thank him openly.

Elections and afterConfident of victory, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared General Elections in January 1977. Except few political leaders, like Com.George Fernandez, almost all others were released from jail. Coms. V.A.Ouseph and Sathyanathan were also released.

Anger against Emergency and Indira Gandhi government was fully reflected in election. Despite advantage of Emergency situation, Congress Party was routed and newly formed Janata Party, a combination political parties, won with huge majority and formed government with Shri Morarji Desai as Prime Minister. Hated Emergency was immediately withdrawn.

While our comrades were in jail, union made some efforts to get them parole. I had been elected as Kerala Circle President of the union by this time. Along with Circle Secretary Com. T.V.Joseph met Chief Minister Shri C. Achutha Menon, requested for parole of our comrades. He told us that these matters are being dealt by Shri K.Karunakaran, Home Minister. We met Home Minister. He was sitting in a big hall. Just before we were called, many police officers went in and came out within minutes. We were called . We requested for parole. When he understood that Adiyodi incident as reason for arrest and custody, became angry and told that we get pardon from Minister Adiyodi. He also criticised behaviour of telephone operators in general. He cited his own experience stating that a trunk call to Indiraji (of course, before she became Prime Minister) was disconnected after 6 minutes by the operator, stating that extension cannot be given due to large number of pending calls. He further stated that ‘ if it was during Emergency, all operators would have been arrested and jailed’. We did not say anything, but requested again for grant of parole. He said ‘will consider’. Of course, Com.V.A.Ouseph got parole for a few days. It is to be mentioned that most of those jailed did not get any parole.

One day one comrade from Cannanore intimated that NGO Union leader Com.E.Padmanabhan is coming on parole by bus and was asked to wait at KSRTC Bus stand. When he got down we took tea together. He entrusted me with certain responsibilities which was carried out without delay. He proceeded to Palghat by bus.Coms.

Ouseph and Sathyanathan joined duty and got back wages. One problem remained. Sathyanathan had applied for job in Indian Bank, was selected and appointment order from Head Office, Madras has come, while he was in jail. Extension for six months was allowed and appointment order was cancelled later. He was very particular about this job, since pay scales were higher.

How to solve the problem? With a representation from Com. Sathyanathan, proceeded to Delhi, immediately after Janata government came in to power. Went to Janata Party Office situated in a big compound with many official bungalows of Ministers. There were name boards of the new Ministers on some of the bungalows. Hundreds of people from various states were crowded there to meet their leaders. Canteen available, where food was supplied free. People were celebrating victory of Janata Party.

Met party office Secretary there. Stated the matter. He went through the representation, signed it, returned and asked me to meet Finance Minister. Went to North Block in an auto. Directly entered Minister’s Office. No sentry, nobody stopped. Finance Minister Shri H.M.Patel was coming out from his room. Met him told the facts and gave the representation. He read it, signed and told me to meet Finance Secretary in nearby room. Met Finance Secretary. He directed me to Joint Secretary (Finance), whose office was functioning in the 5th floor of L.I.C.Building opposite Dak Bhawan near Patel Chowk. Took an auto riksha, went there, met Joint Secretary, Finance. He went through the letter, asked me further details. Then he telephoned General Manager of Indian Bank Head office at Madras. He told GM that “ Mr. Namboodiri, is sitting before me. Appointment orders should reach Calicut, before he reaches there.” So happy that mission has been successful.

Immediately went to nearby V.P.House, called Calicut and informed the happy news. As told by Joint Secretary, appointment order had been received by Sathyanathan before my arrival. An example, how Janata Government functioned in its early days, without any red tape or delay.

Most of Emergency excesses were rectified within weeks after new government took over. P & T workers terminated in Kerala in connection with 1974 strike were reinstated. Choudhury Charan Singh, who became Prime Minister in 1979 issued orders granting Bonus, first to railway employees and then to all Central government employees. The most important demand of the 1974 Strike was settled as also victimisation. (to be continued). Photos: 1. Prime Minister Choudhary Charan Singh 2. Kerala Home Minister K.Karunakaran 3. Delhi Secretariat North Block 4. Indian Bank Head Office Madras 5. Finance minister H.M.Patel

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MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES -32

COM. K.G.BOSE PASSED AWAY

Great tragedy struck P and T movement. Com.K.G.Bose, revolutionary leader and President of NFPTE, passed away on 11thDecember 1974 at Royal Hospital London, where he was admitted for treatment of dreaded cancer. Entire P and T fraternity was in shock and dismay at loss of the great leader.

Along with Dada Ghosh, Com.KG ensured that entire P & T workers in Bengal and Assam participated in 1946 Postmen Strike. He was jailed and dismissed in connection with 1947 proposed strike. Led 1960 historic strike. He was Circle Secretary of E.III and P.III Unions of W.Bengal as also President of P.III Union. Later he was elected as President of NFPTE. He was elected as MLA to W.Bengal Assembly and also functioned as Member of Pay Commission for W.Bengal State employees. His simplicity and comradely approach to workers were appreciated by all.

K.G.’s health deteriorated due to continued tour and hectic activities. It was diagonised that he was suffering from cancer and was admitted in London Hospital for expert treatment, but could not be saved.

As mentioned earlier, Kerala comrades had a special attachment to him. He had attended Joint Circle Conference of P & T Unions held at Calicut in 1965. He also visited Calicut later. I had earlier mentioned about my first meeting with him in the Trivandrum All India Conference, where he took up the disciplinary case with Member P and T board and settled.

I got opportunity to discuss with him many issues and seek his advice. He was prompt in replying to letters and explained various issues in details. I still keep some of his letters with me. His younger brother, Com.Moni was also a veteran leader of P & T employees and was terminated from service in connection with 1949 strike. He was elected as General Secretary of E.III Union, defeating O.P.Gupta in Bhopal AIC, where I was elected as President. Moni Bose became first Patron of BSNLEU. He passed away in 2010.Com.K.G.’s speeches in All India Conferences were heard with rapt attention. In between sessions, young comrades like us used to meet him and get advice on how to present issues in AIC.

His death is a great loss to CG and P&T employees and a personal loss to me. He will always be remembered as one of the great leaders of P and T trade union movement. He continues to be inspiration for many generations of workers. The road in front of his house is named “K.G.Bose Sarani” in his honour.

Red Salute to Com.K.G.Bose!(to be continued)

Photos. 1. Com.K.G.Bose 2. Myself with Com. Moni Bose 3. KG with wife Com. Parul Bose 4. Procession with Com.K.G. Bose after reciving him at Calicut Railway Station. Myself on his right side.

MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 31

GLORIOUS RAILWAY STRIKE – 1974

Bonus Convention held at New Delhi focused demand of Bonus to CG Employees. The slogan ‘Bonus for All’ caught imagination of workers. This was effectively taken up by Railway workers under leadership of Com. George Fernandez, Secretary General of AIRF.AIRF organised a Convention of all unions in Railways on 27th February 1974 to discuss the matter. More than 3000 delegates representing about one hundred unions attended. National Co-ordination Committee of Railwaymen’s Struggle (NCCRS) was formed as also an Action Committee with Com. George Fernandez as Convener. It was decided to organize indefinite strike from 8th May 1974, mainly on the demand of Bonus. Confederation of CG Employees and NFPTE (KG Bose) also gave strike notice. NFPTE (OPG) not only did not give strike notice, but also opposed it.

The central government was rattled by strike decision. Strike was to start from 8th May but due to mass arrest of George Fernandez and other leaders, it started 6 days earlier in Railways. Central government met strike with utmost cruelty and vengeance. Tens of thousands of workers were arrested and jailed. Railway Quarters were searched and even family members were beaten and harassed. In many staff quarters, water – electricity connections were cut. It was all-out attack on workers.

In Calicut, procession organized in support of strike was lathi-charged by police. Participants severely beaten. Two newspaper reporters also badly beaten and hospitalised. It was terror unleashed against strikers and their supporters. Due to split in Confederation and NFPTE, the strike could not be continued for more than 3 days by central government employees and was withdrawn. Railway workers continued strike. Strike support committee was doing all what could be done.

It was at this time that Com. A.K.Gopalan, M.P. , great working class leader, along with his wife Com. Suseela Gopalan arrived at Calicut. He was not well and doctors advised complete rest. He was taking rest at the residence of Advocate P.K.Kunhirama Poduval. When I reported to him about the serious situation in Railway Colony, he wanted to go to there immediately. Though we tried to stop him, he was adamant. Wherever there is suffering, he will rush there, despite ill health.

We started for Railway Colony. He stepped out from car at entry gate of the colony and started walking. Com.A.Kunhiraman Nair, veteran NGO Union leader and some other comrades also reached by the time. We were about 6-7 people and led by Coms AKG and Suseela, started walking slowly in to the colony through the small road. Women and children who were alone in colony houses saw AKG, started joining us. Within few minutes, it became a big jatha and culminated in the school premises inside colony. By this time, police reached. Party comrades also reached. A loudspeaker was brought and Com.AKG started speaking. One police official, without knowing who it was speaking, came forward and threatened to arrest. AKG told him that ‘I am AKG and you can arrest me’. The poor policeman was dumbfounded, became silent. By that time, senior police officers came and normalised the situation. AKG spoke consoling the families of Railwaymen and told that nothing will happen to them. He warned police officers that he will come and sit in dharna if harassment continues. The meeting was over after Com. Suseela Gopalan also addressed. After this incident, there was a halt to harassment of families in colony.

The Railway strike continued for about three weeks. All leaders and thousands of workers were arrested. Heavy victimisation took place. It was only after change in government at Centre that victimisation could be got vacated. Strike was full success in P and T in Kerala and W.Bengal. 40 workers were terminated and many workers including me suspended. Continued agitations were organised against victimisation. It was only after Janatha government was formed in 1977, that reinstatement and vacation of victimisation could take place. (to be continued).Photos 1. George Fernandez 2. Suseela Gopalan 3. Memorial to Com. A.K.Gopalan 4. Com.A.K.Gopalan.

MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 30

ORGANISATION – CRUCIAL ISSUES

Last years of 1960s and 1970s were very crucial period for NFPTE. Differences in dealing with workers’ problems as well as ideological line divided NFPTE in to almost two equal parts.

Federal Council held at Vijayawada on 9-14 May 1970 was witness to sharp debate on the line to be taken against anti-worker stand of government. There was severe criticism against Gnaniah – OPG leadership for not organising serious struggles against victimisation of 1968 strike. NFPTE leadership was indefinitely waiting for leniency to come from government, doing nothing, accused progressive leadership led by Coms. K.G.Bose, N.J.Iyer, K.Adinarayana and L.A.Prasad.K.G.Bose and A.S.Rajan were elected as President and Secretary General of NFPTE, in a bitter contest, defeating OPG team. It was a bolt from blue to dominant leadership; a victory for progressive section. Defeated OPG – Gnaniah group created difficulties for new leadership to function, misusing their proximity to administration and government. They were unable to accept the unexpected defeat.

Next Federal Council was held at Calcutta from 28 October to 3 November 1971. KG Bose and AS Rajan were once again elected as President and SG. Well knowing that they cannot win in election, OPG group walked out, prepared a parallel list and submitted to government. Instead of accepting duly and constitutionally elected list, government refused recognition to both. Misusing political connection, OPG group managed to get recognition later.

When majority is lost, it has always been the tactics of revisionists to divide organisation and keep at least one portion of it with them. Unity and democracy is not very important to them. This can be seen again in post-1991 Bhopal AIC election, in which OPG and team was defeated

P and T, Bonus and ED Conventions at DelhiP and T, Bonus and ED Conventions from 10 to 12 December 1972 held at Delhi organised by NFPTE led by KG Bose group were great success. More than 2,500 workers attended from all parts of India. 500 workers participated from Kerala alone. Along with other comrades, I also participated.

Many Kerala comrades reached Delhi, even without a sweater or woollen shawl. It was December and severe biting cold. Suffered a lot. Staying arrangement for Kerala team was made in a well-covered, underground hall of a factory in Narayana, which gave some relief.

Bonus Convention was jointly organised by Confederation of CG Employees and All India State Government Employees Federation. Demand of ‘Bonus for All’ was raised and approved by the Convention. Decided to observe ‘Bonus for All Day’ on 19th January 1973. In addition to employees’ leaders, Prof. Madhu Dantwade M.P., Dr. Mathew Kurien M.P., P.Ramamurty (CITU), Gyan Chand (UTUC), George Fernandez (HMP) and others addressed.

There was an interesting scene during ED Convention. When Com. P.Chellappan Pillai, Kerala Circle Secretary of Postmen and Class IV Union, started speaking in Malayalam, delegates wanted translation. Com. L.A.Prasad, General Secretary, Administrative Union immediately took mike and translated. A GS hailing from T.Nadu, translating Malayalam speech of Circle secretary, Kerala in to Hindi!

After P and T Convention, a huge procession started from Convention site to Raisina Round about, passing through main roads of the capital. Com.N.J.Iyer wearing a red cap, leading the procession, was a sight to see. A real Commander of the working class. Police tried to stop at several points, but the jatha marched ahead till it reached Raisina round about, near Parliament. (Now processions are stopped in front of Parliament Police Station. But during that period, processions were allowed up to Boat Club, just opposite and near to Parliament). Communications Minister Shri H.N.Bahuguna came and accepted the Memorandum presented. Later he met union delegation at his house and discussed the issues.

These conventions created enthusiasm and inspiration amongst the participants and workers at large. It was also a show of strength. Proved that majority of workers are with KG Bose group. ED issues were focussed. Demand of Bonus to CG Employees high lighted, which was main demand of 1974 Railway Strike (to be continued).Photos: 1. Parliament 2. K.G.Bose 3. P.Ramamurthy 4.George Fernandez 5. N.J.Iyer 6. K.Adinarayana

MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 28

SUSTAINED STRUGGLES AGAINST VICTIMISATION (CONTD)

Charge sheets were issued under Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules against suspended officials, proposing major penalties including dismissal. Participation in strike, dharna, demonstration, intimidation of non-strikers etc. were the charges. Charge sheets were issued even to some of those officials who were not suspended.

Union adopted many tactics to delay enquiries, since early disposal meant serious punishments including dismissal. After some time, situation may become normal and punishments will be less.

Charged employee has got the right to nominate another official as Defence Assistant to assist him in enquiry. Usually union leaders, who knew rules and were expert in such matters, were nominated. They pointed out several omissions and remissions in the conduct of the enquiry, framing of charges etc. and delayed proceedings. Another tactic was to cross examine witnesses in such a manner so that they become frustrated and contradict themselves. Inquiry Officers and Presenting Officers were no match to these experts.

Coms.K.P.Govindan Kutty, M.C.Ayyappakutty and some other senior leaders were nominated as DA. I attended as Defence Assistant in about 30 cases. Almost on all days, there were sittings of enquiries. The dates had to be fixed according to our availability.

Charges in many of these enquiries could not be proved. But Disciplinary Authorities, mostly DE and SDEs, invariably imposed punishments, whether found guilty or not. Fortunately, there were no dismissals except that of Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener of P and T Co-ordination Committee of Kerala. He was reinstated only after the Janata Government came to power in 1977. Gradually, situation improved and severity of punishments got reduced. However, union leaders were imposed with serious penalties.

Most of the suspended workers were reinstated after some months, except a section of senior leaders. They continued to be under suspension. I was one among them.

Court Cases

There was no court cases filed against striking employees, since state government has already declared that no action will be taken under ESMO in the state. To overcome this situation, officers of various departments were directed by central government to file criminal cases against those participated and/or instigated. 13 such criminal cases were filed in Calicut involving all leaders and some other officials. These cases continued for years. Well known advocates S/Shri P.K.Kunhirama Poduval, Bhaskaran Nambiar, Balakrishnan Nair and K.Jayaraj attended these cases, without charging any fee. Shri Raman Nair, Vakil Clerk of Adv. Poduval was of great help.

Advocate Poduval was unable to attend on the day of final hearing of a serious case as he was laid up. Charges included gherao of an officer and forcible cancellation of a charge sheet. Poduval directed us to Senior Advocate Shri Kunhirama Menon, his partner in the firm, requesting him to attend final hearing. We met him. He agreed to attend. Exactly at 10.00 hours he reached Magistrate Court, which he might not have visited for many decades. He usually attended High Court only. He was respected even by senior judges. Magistrate and advocates were surprised at his presence. Immediately our case was taken. He argued for half an hour in such a way that even we thought that such an incident never occurred. APP had nothing to say. Case was dismissed then there. All cases were over by about two years. Except the first case, all others were dismissed. On appeal, punishment was cancelled in that case also.

We arranged a reception for the advocates at Hotel Alakapuri, but nothing more than tea they will have. We thanked them for their invaluable assistance.

At the initiative of Advocate Shri T.C.N.Menon, M.P., who was also Chairman of Kerala P and T Co-ordinating Committee, cases were filed against termination of all 300 temporary officials. As per direction of Com.Menon, local co-ordinating committee conveners reached Ernakulam, where High Court is situated, prepared petitions and all were filed on the same day. It was almost miraculous. After about two years, these cases came up for hearing. All termination orders were cancelled since the provisions in CCS (CCA) Rules that either payment of one month’s advance salary is to be paid before termination or that a notice of one month should be there was not followed by authorities. This was a great victory. All terminated employees were reinstated and arrears of salary paid.

During the entire period, many agitational programmes were organised as per call of NFPTE as also Co-Ordinating Committee of P and T Unions Kerala. As a result, a good number of young workers became very active in union. They became big asset for union.

I have mentioned about the strike and post-strike situation of Calicut only. It was almost same in other stations of Kerala. All these have been mentioned in the book on 19th September Strike written and published by Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan and me.Within 2 – 3 years, normalcy returned. Of course, scars of victimisation continued for some more time (to be continued).

SUSTAINED STRUGGLES AGAINST VICTIMISATION OF 1968 STRIKE

One Day Strike of 19 July 1968 ended by 12.00 hours mid-night. When we went to attend duty next day, orders of suspension were waiting. Within few days, most of  active workers were suspended or terminated according to whether one was a permanent or temporary employee. Provision of Rule (5) of Temporary Service Rules was misused for termination.  This was the situation in Kerala as well as all over India. Maximum number of terminations in Calicut Telegraph Engineering Division. Tension between DET K.S.Thomas and Union due to many local agitations, gherao etc was main reason. He tried to settle accounts misusing post-strike period. Terminations would have been much more, but for a clever move by Com. A.Achunni, who was establishment section clerk and union leader. He put up case of about 60 officials due for confirmation before DET about one week earlier and got them confirmed. This reduced number of terminations.

There were 44 terminations and 95 suspensions in Calicut city alone, including Postal, RMS, Telegraph and Telephones. Most of the comrades in Telecom Lodge were under suspension, including District Secretary Com.Karayi Sreedharan, P.V.Nambissan, V.Kesavan, K.Prabhakaran, E.P.Sukumaran and me. In addition, Coms. K.Bhaskaran Nair,K.Krishnan, N.V.Raghavan, K.C.S.Nair, A.Achunni, P.A.Thomas, M.V.Sadanandan, P.Appu, E.Richards, T.Kalliani, P.V.Unnikrishnan, K.Kunhikrishnan (BDA), P.P.Sankaran Kutty, K.Vijayan, P.A.Thomas, C.V.Warrier, R.Rajendrn, P.G.Ravindran V.Gopalan, P.Ravindranath, Sreekantan Nair and many others were also suspended.

In Postal side, Comrades K.Damodaran, K.T.Muhammed (famous drama artist and writer), U.Ramachandran Nair, K.V.Velayudhan, Janaki Kutty, V.M.Padmanabhan Nair, T.Chathukutty, A.P.Noorudin were under suspension.

In Telegraphs, Comrades K.Chandran, P.Moidu, K.Velaudhan and others were suspended. In RMS, Comrades Soman Gangadharan, K.P.Unnikrishnan Nambissan, N.Devanand and some others were under suspension.

(I might have missed names of many comrades who were suspended as union records have been either lost or misplaced. Comrades who remember any other name may kindly inform so that their names can be included.)

Condition of terminated employees was pathetic. Most of them were young recruits who had entered service recently and not got confirmed.  Never thought that they will lose their jobs for participation in strike. Believed in their union and leaders. It was  responsibility of union to protect them. It is exactly what union did.

Many parents criticised them for going on strike, causing loss of job. It was difficult for them to sit at home. About 20-25 of these comrades used to come to Telecom Lodge in morning to avoid continued criticism at home. We will supply them tea. We were all suspended and it was very difficult to provide food daily for all these comrades.

By about 7.30 hours, along with these young comrades we will go to some of the factories, which usually start work at 08.00 hours. Will meet union leaders there. Meeting will be held in front of factory and one of us standing on a wooden stool will explain about strike, termination and other cruel victimisation by central government and request support. Will give them donation coupon of 10 paise and collect fund.

After workers entered factory, will go to nearest low cost tea shop and provide breakfast. Usual menu, tea and cooked tapioca.

After 10.00 hours, go to offices of state government, central government etc. with 10 paise coupons. Meet union leaders and workers and collect donation. Kerala N.G.O.Union, KGPTA, KSEBWA, KSRTCEA and other unions and their leaders gave full support and contributed. Sometimes, we will go to merchants, shops and collect donation.

Almost every day, there will be protest jatha organised in city. Suspended and terminated workers alone were sufficient. In addition, working employees also. Starting point was usually telephone exchange. Jatha with around 200 – 300 will go through Palayam, S.M.Street and end either at RMS Office, Post Office or Telegraph Office, where meeting will be held and two or three comrades address. Sometimes it will be ‘Torch jatha’, holding burning pieces of rubber tyre or bamboo sticks filled with kerosene oil. Slogans demanding reinstatement, revocation of suspension, against central government and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would be raised. These jathas and meetings strengthened workers to face any eventuality.

How to support terminated employees, who will not get any salary? Suspended employees will get at least 50% subsistence allowance. On pay day every month, union leaders will meet workers who are in job and collect liberal donations. Since recognition of unions were withdrawn, it was not easy to collect membership and donations. Many leaders including me were prohibited from entering offices. Notices were pasted on entrance gates to this effect. Still we used to go and collect. Result will be one more charge sheet. Still we were able to collect donations and give full salary amount to terminated employees for first few months. Later we were compelled to collect from suspended comrades also. Local co-ordinating Committee of P and T Unions ensured that terminated comrades in all sections – Postal, RMS, Telegraph and Telephones received their relief money without fail. Once a drama with was organised at Sree Narayana memorial Hall and profit from sale of tickets utilised for paying terminated employees. ( TO BE CONTINUED)

MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 28

SUSTAINED STRUGGLES AGAINST VICTIMISATION (CONTD)

Charge sheets were issued under Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules against suspended officials, proposing major penalties including dismissal. Participation in strike, dharna, demonstration, intimidation of non-strikers etc. were the charges. Charge sheets were issued even to some of those officials who were not suspended.

Union adopted many tactics to delay enquiries, since early disposal meant serious punishments including dismissal. After some time, situation may become normal and punishments will be less.

Charged employee has got the right to nominate another official as Defence Assistant to assist him in enquiry. Usually union leaders, who knew rules and were expert in such matters, were nominated. They pointed out several omissions and remissions in the conduct of the enquiry, framing of charges etc. and delayed proceedings. Another tactic was to cross examine witnesses in such a manner so that they become frustrated and contradict themselves. Inquiry Officers and Presenting Officers were no match to these experts. Coms.K.P.Govindan Kutty, M.C.Ayyappakutty and some other senior leaders were nominated as DA. I attended as Defence Assistant in about 30 cases. Almost on all days, there were sittings of enquiries. The dates had to be fixed according to our availability.

Charges in many of these enquiries could not be proved. But Disciplinary Authorities, mostly DE and SDEs, invariably imposed punishments, whether found guilty or not. Fortunately, there were no dismissals except that of Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener of P and T Co-ordination Committee of Kerala. He was reinstated only after the Janata Government came to power in 1977. Gradually, situation improved and severity of punishments got reduced. However, union leaders were imposed with serious penalties.

Most of the suspended workers were reinstated after some months, except a section of senior leaders. They continued to be under suspension. I was one among them.

Court Cases

There was no court cases filed against striking employees, since state government has already declared that no action will be taken under ESMO in the state. To overcome this situation, officers of various departments were directed by central government to file criminal cases against those participated and/or instigated. 13 such criminal cases were filed in Calicut involving all leaders and some other officials. These cases continued for years. Well known advocates S/Shri P.K.Kunhirama Poduval, Bhaskaran Nambiar, Balakrishnan Nair and K.Jayaraj attended these cases, without charging any fee. Shri Raman Nair, Vakil Clerk of Adv. Poduval was of great help.

Advocate Poduval was unable to attend on the day of final hearing of a serious case as he was laid up. Charges included gherao of an officer and forcible cancellation of a charge sheet. Poduval directed us to Senior Advocate Shri Kunhirama Menon, his partner in the firm, requesting him to attend final hearing. We met him. He agreed to attend. Exactly at 10.00 hours he reached Magistrate Court, which he might not have visited for many decades. He usually attended High Court only. He was respected even by senior judges. Magistrate and advocates were surprised at his presence. Immediately our case was taken. He argued for half an hour in such a way that even we thought that such an incident never occurred. APP had nothing to say. Case was dismissed then there. All cases were over by about two years. Except the first case, all others were dismissed. On appeal, punishment was cancelled in that case also.

We arranged a reception for the advocates at Hotel Alakapuri, but nothing more than tea they will have. We thanked them for their invaluable assistance.

At the initiative of Advocate Shri T.C.N.Menon, M.P., who was also Chairman of Kerala P and T Co-ordinating Committee, cases were filed against termination of all 300 temporary officials. As per direction of Com.Menon, local co-ordinating committee conveners reached Ernakulam, where High Court is situated, prepared petitions and all were filed on the same day. It was almost miraculous. After about two years, these cases came up for hearing. All termination orders were cancelled since the provisions in CCS (CCA) Rules that either payment of one month’s advance salary is to be paid before termination or that a notice of one month should be there was not followed by authorities. This was a great victory. All terminated employees were reinstated and arrears of salary paid.

During the entire period, many agitational programmes were organised as per call of NFPTE as also Co-Ordinating Committee of P and T Unions Kerala. As a result, a good number of young workers became very active in union. They became big asset for union.I have mentioned about the strike and post-strike situation of Calicut only. It was almost same in other stations of Kerala. All these have been mentioned in the book on 19th September Strike written and published by Com.P.V.Chandrasekharan and me.Within 2 – 3 years, normalcy returned. Of course, scars of victimisation continued for some more time (to be continued)