UP: Protest by CPIML against Feudal and Communal Attacks during Holi
The CPI(ML) organised a statewide protest in Uttar Pradesh on 21 March against violent casteist and communal attacks that took place on the day of Holi (14 March 2025). The protests were marked by demonstrations across multiple districts, condemning the atrocities and demanding justice for the victims.
In Karri village, located in the Mahuli police station area of Sant Kabir Nagar, feudal upper-caste assailants, intoxicated and emboldened, launched a brutal attack on the Rajbhar community’s settlement. They viciously beat men, women, and children with sticks and rods before setting 21 homes ablaze. Two seriously injured individuals are currently fighting for their lives in Gorakhpur Medical College. The attack has left 21 families homeless and without any resources, as their lifetime earnings went up in flames.
A second shocking incident took place in Unnao, where Mohammed Sharif, a 48-year-old migrant worker who had returned from Saudi Arabia for Ramadan, was lynched in broad daylight. While returning from Friday prayers at Rabbani Mosque, he was attacked by Holi revellers for refusing to let them throw colour on him. The mob dragged him from his auto-rickshaw and mercilessly beat him to death.
CPI(ML) held protests across Uttar Pradesh, raising slogans against the BJP-led government’s failure to curb feudal and communal violence. In Basti Mandal, which includes Sant Kabir Nagar, the party organised a demonstration led by state committee members Comrade Rajesh Sahni and Comrade Ramlaut. A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister, demanding justice for the victims. The protest also highlighted another incident from Parsa Jagir village in Basti district, where reactionary forces desecrated a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by smearing it with mud and cow dung and burning Holika nearby. Comrade Ramlaut denounced the incident as an attack on the Dalit community and the Indian Constitution.
In the state capital, Lucknow, CPI(ML) activists led a march from Parivartan Chowk to the District Magistrate’s office, submitting a 10-point charter of demands. Led by District-in-Charge Comrade Ramesh Singh Sengar, the demonstrators raised slogans such as, "This anti-Dalit and anti-poor government must go! Justice for Karri victims! Punish the perpetrators of the Unnao lynching! Stop the politics of hate and division!" Addressing the gathering, Comrade Ramesh condemned the government’s empty rhetoric of 'zero tolerance' while law and order continue to collapse. He warned that CPI(ML) would escalate its movement if justice was not served.
Protests Spread Across the State
In Chandauli, CPI(ML) organised a march from Bichhiya protest site to the District Magistrate’s office, submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister. District Secretary Comrade Anil Paswan led the protest, condemning the Sant Kabir Nagar violence. State committee member Comrade Vijay Ram and several others participated.
In Ballia, a demonstration was held at the District Magistrate’s office, with central committee member Shriram Chaudhary and state committee member Om Prakash Singh addressing the gathering. The leaders stated that the BJP’s rule has emboldened feudal forces.
Similar protests were held in Allahabad, where CPI(ML) activists demanded action against the perpetrators of both the Sant Kabir Nagar arson and the Unnao lynching. In Ayodhya, a memorandum was submitted to the Nayab Tehsildar. Jalaun district headquarters in Orai witnessed a march and protest, while demonstrations were held at the Collectorate in Raebareli and the district headquarters in Gonda.
In Mau, CPI(ML) staged a powerful protest at the District Magistrate’s office. Protests were also held in Gorakhpur, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Kanpur, and Banaras. CPI(ML) has vowed to intensify its struggle if justice is not delivered to the victims. The party has demanded immediate relief and rehabilitation for the Karri village survivors, strict action against the perpetrators, and an end to the climate of impunity for feudal and communal forces under BJP rule.
