Press Statement
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly condemns the killing of Comrade Ramnath Mahato, leader of the CPI(M) and agricultural workers movement in Bihar, on January 31. Com. Ramnath was shot dead while addressing a dharna of agricultural workers at Manda chowk in Samastipur district by a criminal gang linked to the landlords. Com. Mahato was a member of the state secretariat of the CPI(M) and secretary of the Bihar state Khetihar Mazdoor Union.
The heinous murder of Ramnath Mahato is one more killing perpetrated by the landlords through their criminal gangs. Ramnath Mahato was prominent in leading the agricultural workers movement in Samastipur district and championing the cause of the rural poor against the oppression of the feudal landlords. Com. Mahato courageously fought against the vested interests and was a dedicated leader of the rural poor. He became a member of the undivided Communist Party and joined the CPI(M) when it was formed in 1964. He was the secretary of the Samastipur district committee of the Party from 1972 to 1995. Only two days before his murder he was re-elected to the state committee and the secretariat at the state conference of the Party.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep concern at the state of law and order prevailing in Bihar. It demands of the state government prompt steps to arrest the culprits responsible for this crime.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family members of Com. Ramnath Mahato.