LUCKNOW: Announcing several sops for those detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Rules (DIR) during the Emergency, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Saturday said that the next struggle would be against attacks on the country's farmers, language and culture.

Mr. Yadav distributed cheques of Rs. 2500 each to 5642 detenus, called "loktantra senanis," at a function on Kanpur road. He announced that they would be given identity cards and would be entitled for free treatment in government hospitals. He said instructions would be sent to the District Magistrates soon.

Mr. Yadav dismissed the reported deaths of farmers due to poverty as mischievous propaganda to defame his Government. He directed the Chief Secretary, N.C. Bajpai, to send necessary instructions to the District Magistrates that they would be held accountable for hunger deaths in their districts.

Compliments

Regretting that the Congress has not apologised for the Emergency excesses, Mr. Yadav complimented the erstwhile detenus for the courage shown by them in fighting the anti-democracy forces. He said the current generation was unaware of the contribution made by those whose civil rights were suppressed during the Emergency. Renewed efforts were needed to enlighten the youth of the role played by those detained during the Emergency in saving democracy.

Mr. Yadav attacked the Centre by alleging that despite a federal structure, it conspired against State Governments.

Mr. Yadav said multi-national companies were responsible for debt-ridden farmers' ruin in Maharashtra and Vidarbha.

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