People's Democracy

THE Students Federation of India (SFI) has issued an appeal to the student community across the country to extend generous help to the people of Gujarat who have been afflicted by a severe earthquake. The SFI condoled the death of tens of thousands of people in the January 26 earthquake.

In a directive to the SFI units all over the country, the organisation asked them to organise one-day relief fund collection drives in the campuses on January 31 to help the people of Gujarat. The organisation hopes to collect Rs 50 lakh from the students through this drive. The money will be sent to the Gujarat government.

In a statement, the central executive committee of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has conveyed its condolences to all those who have lost their near and dear ones in the devastating earthquake in Gujarat which hit the state on January 26 morning. A large area surrounding the worst affected Bhuj has suffered major damages. A large number of people are still trapped in the debris while thousands have died.

The DYFI appealed to all its state committees and the entire youth community of the country for immediate help in relief mobilisation. For the present, the youth body has sent Rs one lakh to its Gujarat state committee to undertake relief operations in the state. It hopes to supplement its initial contribution with the fund collected from all parts of the country.

In a separate statement, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said the enormity of the sufferings of the people could not be described in words. The death toll in Gujarat has crossed the 20,000 figure. Many parts of the state have been totally devastated by the earthquake. The AIKS expressed its deep sorrow and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. Saying the people in Gujarat need all-round help, the AIKS appealed to all its units to collect money and material and send it for relief work in Gujarat.

IN their messages to the CPI(M), the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of France have expressed their sense of grief over the tragic deaths due to the devastating earthquake in Gujarat and offered help for the quake victims. The text of their massages will be printed next week.