On Saturday afternoon, Kolkata once again witnessed a big rally by intellectuals protesting against the arrest of PCAPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato.

Gathering under the forum of cultural and intellectual artistes, the procession, led by Sujato Bhadra, Bibhas Chakrabarty, Pallab Kirtania, Debabrata Bandopadhyay and Tarun Sanyal, marched from College Square to the Metro Channel.

Over 1,000 people participated in the rally. Among their demands was the release of Mahato and all others who had participated in the Lalgarh movement, a repeal of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the removal of armed forces from Lalgarh. “The government has suddenly arrested people citing the UAPA. Unlike the Maoists, the people of Lalgarh are fighting for a temporary agenda. Once their demands are met, the movement will cease,” said Bhadra.