The Maoist-backed People's Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCPA) on Wednesday changed its stand and extended support to the rally called by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee at Lalgarh on ninth of August.
"This is not a political rally and many people like Swami Agnivesh,
Medha Patkar, who have protested against the government's oppressive policies and extended moral support to our movement, will be present at the rally," PCPA's new secretary Manoj Mahato told PTI from an undisclosed location.
"We are always against violence and for the last three years we have been fighting the police and the government's atrocities on innocent tribals," Mahato claimed.
Asked why it changed its stand after it earlier said it was against the event, he said it was because the programme was not being held under a party banner and had the common purpose to stop 'oppression in jungle mahal'.
Questioned if PCPA leaders would be present on the dais during the rally, he said those wanted by the police would not be there. Others against whom there were no charges would be present.
Top Maoist leader Kishenji had also extended support to the rally, welcoming the Trinamool Congress chief's initiative to stop violence.