Red flags to fly at half-mast for three days across the state | Party calls it an irreparable loss
Ranchi(sahebganj) :Senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Comrade Iqbal Da — a well-known figure in the Santhal Pargana region and affectionately called 'Master Saheb' — passed away today at the age of 74. He had been unwell for the past two months and was undergoing treatment in Kolkata and Bardhaman, but could not be saved. His final rites will be conducted today at his ancestral village, Dilalpur (Barharwa block, Sahebganj district), where hundreds of party comrades and local people are arriving to pay their last respects.
Comrade Iqbal Da was not just a political leader but a symbol of public service. Known for his simplicity, honesty, and unwavering commitment to help anyone in distress, he was deeply loved and respected by the people.
A Life Dedicated to the Working Class
Comrade Iqbal Da began his political journey by organizing working-class people. He played a crucial role in bringing workers from various unorganized sectors — including transport, bidi industry, railway contract workers, and marigold farming — under the banner of CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions). He became a member of the CPI(M) in 1979 and remained a devoted worker of the party until his last breath. He was also the party’s candidate from the Pakur Assembly constituency twice.
He served as the secretary of the Sahebganj district committee of CPI(M) for nearly a decade and was later included in the state secretariat. At the time of his passing, he was also the state vice-president of CITU.
A Leader of Grassroots Movements
Under Comrade Iqbal Da’s leadership, movements were launched for the rights of people in Sahebganj Diara’s unsurveyed land, against the khasmahal land issues, and in support of the unemployed youth of Sher Shahwadi. He was always at the forefront of organizing relief efforts for flood victims and stood by the marginalized — be it for land rights, displacement issues, or labor justice. His deep understanding of local issues made him a respected figure across political lines, with even leaders from other parties seeking his advice.
State Secretary's Statement: "Comrade Iqbal Da's Absence Will Always Be Felt"
CPI(M) State Secretary Prakash Viplav expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Comrade Iqbal Da, stating:
“Comrade Iqbal Da was not just a leader of the party, he was the heartbeat of people’s movements. His ideological clarity, organizational skills, and grassroots understanding gave the party a strong foundation. He was a true Marxist who worked selflessly throughout his life. His demise is an irreparable loss for the party, the state, and especially for the people of the Sahebganj-Pakur region. The party pledges to continue walking the path he showed us.”
The party’s state secretariat has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and declared that red flags at all party offices across the state will be flown at half-mast for the next three days in his memory.
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