Introduction of Social Boycott

• The social boycott was a powerful strategy used during the peasant struggle, initially employed by landlords to ostracize families who challenged their authority. This same tactic was later reversed against the landlords themselves to undermine their control and introduce democratic practices within villages.

Impact of Social Boycott on Landlords

• The dominance of landlords was effectively challenged through social boycotts, also extending to those who opposed the interests of the peasantry.
• Notable incidents like the one in Chinnampalli on September 15, 1978, where landlord Jagan Mohan Rao and his son-in-law opened fire on farmers, highlight the tense confrontations that arose from these social dynamics.

Violence and Community Response

• In Kodurupaka village, significant abuses including the rape of a women’s liberation association president by local goons demonstrated the severe challenges faced by activists. The community’s inability to obtain police action led to self-organized justice through village meetings.
• Landlords like Jagan Mohan Rao, who significantly expanded their landholdings through oppressive means, faced pushback from the community which organized strikes and social boycotts against them.

Escalation and Government Response

• The widespread violence and the aggressive expansion of the movement led to the declaration of Sircilla and Jagityal as disturbed areas by the government on October 20, 1978. This marked an escalation in the conflict, highlighting the government’s view of the movement as a source of terror and disorder.