The young communist Jovan Veselinov received the foundations for his further political development within the local organization of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia in Kumane. He first found employment in the factory of Vlade Ilić in Belgrade, and in 1926 he worked at Sartid in Smederevo. His work in industry allowed him to take an active role in the struggles of the industrial proletariat, where he was soon noticed.
By decision of the KPJ Politburo, and on the proposal of Rade Vujović, Veselinov—under the illegal name “Kumanac”—was sent for political schooling to the Soviet Union. This decision was also confirmed by the Provincial Committee of the KPJ for Vojvodina at a meeting in Zrenjanin in 1926, when it was decided that Stevan Petrović (Števa) from Kumane would accompany him. This represented a significant recognition of the strength of the party organization in the village.
The departure of Veselinov and Petrović was carefully organized and carried out in secrecy. The authorities learned about it only the following year, when on March 19, 1927, Veselinov was supposed to report for military service. Since he could not be found either in Kumane or at his workplace, the Ministry of the Interior issued a warrant for his arrest on May 3, 1927.
After completing his schooling, Veselinov returned from the Soviet Union in 1930, while Stevan Petrović remained there, after which all trace of him was lost.
1. Jovan Veselinov
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