Explain Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha.

Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha (CMM) was a socio-political movement launched in the early 1980s in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, with the aim of addressing the socio-economic grievances of tribal and marginalized communities and asserting their rights over natural resources, particularly land and forests.

The movement emerged in response to the exploitation and displacement of tribal communities due to large-scale industrial projects, mining activities, and state-led development interventions in the resource-rich region of Chhattisgarh. Tribal communities, primarily composed of Adivasi populations, faced displacement from their traditional lands and livelihoods without adequate compensation or rehabilitation measures.

Led by Shankar Guha Niyogi, a socialist activist and trade union leader, the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha mobilized tribal communities, peasants, laborers, and other marginalized groups to resist land acquisition, displacement, and exploitation by powerful vested interests, including corporate entities and the state government.

The CMM advocated for the rights of workers and peasants, demanding fair wages, land reforms, and social justice. It organized protests, rallies, and strikes to challenge oppressive labor practices, improve working conditions, and advance the interests of marginalized communities.

One of the significant campaigns of the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha was the struggle against the exploitation of coal miners in the Bhilai Steel Plant and the industrial town of Bhilai. The movement demanded better working conditions, safety measures, and social security for coal miners, challenging the hegemony of corporate interests and bureaucratic corruption.

The Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha's efforts to empower marginalized communities and challenge systemic injustices faced repression from state authorities and vested interests. Shankar Guha Niyogi was assassinated in 1991, allegedly by hired assailants linked to industrial interests opposed to the movement's activities.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the legacy of the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha continues to inspire grassroots activism, social movements, and struggles for social justice and people's rights in Chhattisgarh and beyond. The movement's emphasis on grassroots organizing, collective action, and solidarity among marginalized communities remains relevant in the ongoing struggles for land, livelihoods, and dignity.