A three-day national convention of the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) began on Saturday here with power-packed presentations by numerous activists and movement leaders from across the country, who spoke in unison in defence of democracy. They said India's democracy is under grave threat from fascists and corporates.

About 40 representatives of diverse movements spanning 17 States opened up the convention by offering soil to a fragrant Sevanti plant, chosen to spread its fragrance in the world instead of the poison of hatred in the country today

Speaking in the inaugural session, Bezwada Wilson of Safai Karamchari Andolan challenged the Prime Minister saying that the country has to be run by the Constitution and not by the Manu Smriti or his whims and fancies.

 Aruna Roy of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) said the Government was trying to oppress the people.

Prominent human rights activist Teesta Setalvad reminded everyone of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's warning that "we were walking down a road where our political fabric would be destroyed because of social and economic inequality." She spoke of the crucial issue of NRC in Assam which has today left a question mark on the citizenship of a large number number of poor people. The design to extend NRC across India and pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill is outright communal, she opinef. Referring to the struggles in Niyamgiri, Jagatsinghpur, Kashirpur, Kalahandi, Lower Suktel, Hirakud, and Kandhamal, Prafulla Samantara described the NAPM as a process that has always stood by those marginalised by development or by communal violence.

Looking back at the long, continuing 35-year struggle of the people affected in the Narmada Valley, Medha Patkar of the Narmada Bachao Andolan stated to strengthen people's movements.

Minjali Kadarka and Dadi Pusaka from Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti fiercely reiterated that they would give up lives, but not their land and hills. Melret from Koodankulam through her song and words in Tamil condemned the State repression on anti-nuclear struggles.

Anita from Mahul Jeevan Bachao Andolan spoke of their successful agitations against the industrial pollution in Mumbai, compelling the Government to provide safe rehabilitation.         

Lakshmiben from Rashtriya Dalit Adhikaar Manch, Gujarat, Manorama from the anti-Posco struggle, Saraswati from Narmada Valley, among others spoke.