Dalits and adivasis all over the country have been among the frequent targets of state violence and repression.

On October 10, it was reported that CRPF personnel opened fire on the dalit and adivasi residents in Pathghadi, Roberstgunj, in Sonebharda district of U.P. At least one dalit woman was killed and several others injured in the firing. The CRPF firing was reportedly ordered by the forest officials, in order to intimidate the dalits and adivasis who have been protesting against the atrocities being committed on them by the forest officials and the land mafia closely linked to the officials.

The atrocities on the adivasis and dalits in Sonebhadra have aggravated in recent times, as various Indian and foreign monopoly capitalists are trying to gain control over the forest land, for setting up their plants. Just 4 days before the firing, a court order was issued allowing J.P.Cements to operate in the forest area.

As elsewhere in the country, the state machinery is being used once again to terrorise the people and rob them of their traditional homes and means of livelihood, in the interests of the profits of the big monopoly capitalists.