On August 2, 1921, the Assembly adopted the Law on the Protection of Public Security and Order in the State, tightening measures against communists. This law prescribed harsh punishments for any communist activity, including the death penalty.
Mass arrests soon spread across Vojvodina. Among those targeted were ballot box custodians, their deputies, members of the Agricultural Workers’ Union, and members of legal party organizations.
In Kumane, Žarko Strajnić and Racko Čolić were arrested and taken to the infamous Belgrade prison “Glavnjača,” where they endured severe torture. Later, Ljubomir Čolić was also arrested. The men from Kumane spent 11 months in Glavnjača and, after being declared innocent, were released. Tragically, Ljubomir Čolić died shortly after leaving prison due to the consequences of torture.
Representatives of the working people were deprived of their right to participate in the municipal administration. Based on the order of the Grand Prefect, No. 2304/921, on September 20, 1921, the district chief dismissed deputy mayor Nikola Zokić and council members Taca Đurić, Luka Lazić, and Vasa Mučalov because of their communist affiliation.
The district administration in Novi Bečej carried out constant and strict police surveillance over the activities and movements of prominent communists in Kumane, submitting bi-monthly reports to the Grand Prefect in Zrenjanin, believing this would weaken communist activities in the region.
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