Despite assurances by the State government to look into their demands after the Nashik-Mumbai Kisan Morcha, farmer organisations are planning State-wide protests. Announcing their protests schedule on Tuesday, the Steering Committee spearheading the protest said loan waivers continue to be elusive, and they will be pressing for the same.
Kishore Dhamale, a member of the Steering Committee representing 40-odd farmer organisations, said, “While we support the historic farmers’ march and welcome the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, our agitation will continue for a full farm loan waiver.”
As per the schedule, farmers will go on hunger strikes at all District Collectorates on March 19, the day Sahebrao Karpe, one of the first farmers to commit suicide, ended his life 32 years ago. Raghunath Patil, president, Shetkari Sanghatana said no government has done much for farmers. Lashing out at the Opposition for supporting the Kisan Morcha, Mr. Patil said, “From Sahebrao Karpe to Dharma Patil, the Dhule farmer who consumed pesticide at Mantralaya, several thousands have died. How many more suicides will you wait for?”
Between March 23 and April 27, the Steering Committee will hold a series of meetings in all districts to remember martyrs of the Independence struggle, and those who laid down their lives in various agitations after Independence.
It will also be organising a Jail Bharo Andolan on April 30, a day before Maharashtra Day and International Labour Day, to protest the government’s policies.
Making the committee’s stand clear, Mr. Patil said, “Monday’s morcha was organised by the All India Kisan Sabha, and had nothing to do with the Steering Committee. Our demand for a full debt waiver is still unfulfilled.”
Mr. Dhamale also hit out at the government’s decision to set up a committee on milk procurement prices. “What is the need of a committee? There is a GR to this effect issued seven months ago. It should be implemented immediately.”
