Farmers' woes aired to President; fuel price rise protested
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 26 2021:
Farmers' Joint Action Committee (JAC), an apex body of different organisations of farmers in the state, observed the 'Save Agriculture - Save Democracy' Day and submitted a memorandum highlighting grievances of the farmers to the President of India through the Governor of Manipur on Saturday.
The observance held at Irawat Bhawan here was organised as part of the nationwide movement being spearheaded by Samyukta Kishan Morcha.
Manipur Loumi Lup president N Singhajit, CPI state secretary L Sotinkumar and CPI-M state secretary Kshetrimayum Shanta attended the observance as presidium members.
JAC convener Haobijam Ibobi spoke on the significance of the observance and explained why farmers are demanding withdrawal of the three farm laws and electricity (amendment) Bill.
Manipur Loumi Marup leader Sarat Salam said that the people are living lives similar to that of prisoners under the present BJP government.
The BJP led government has violated the right to democratic protests and all farmers should come forward and fight against the anti-people government, he said.
Later, a delegation led by N Singjajit went to Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum containing a charter of demands to the President of the country through the Governor.
In the memorandum, the JAC demanded withdrawal of the three farm laws stating that they will keep agriculture sector under the clutch of corporates and pointing out that the Centre has no jurisdiction in making farm laws.
It also demanded withdrawal of Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 and reintroduce subsidy to farmers.
The memorandum mentioned the farmers' protest in the national capital and how the government is treating the farmers while urging the President not to become a silent spectator.
Meanwhile, the demand for reducing fuel prices is growing louder as left parties continued their protest on Saturday.
CPI state council general secretary M Joykumar informed that CPI Lamlai Local Council organised protest on Saturday in Lamlai area as part of the nationwide protest against oil price hike.
During the protest, CPI Imphal East District secretary H Bimol said that maximum people of Lamlai constituency are farmers and the hike in fuel price has become a burden for the farmers and their economy.
As a result, farmers are expected to suffer loss of income by half next year unless the government revises the VAT on fuel and brings down fuel price.
He then warned of launching intense agitation with farmers of Lamlai assembly constituency if the government does not pay heed to the demand.
The protest was followed by a rally in which participants shouted slogans to save democracy, save farmers, save agriculture, withdraw farm laws and reduce fuel prices.
Wangjing Tentha CPI Local Council also organised a similar protest against fuel price hike at Tentha Multipurpose Hall.
CPI leader Dr Nara said that Covid-19 pandemic is claiming numerous lives across the country but China, a communist country, has been successful in containing the pandemic due to their policy.
Poor policy of the Government of India has resulted in death of several people, he contended and said that it is time for the public to teach BJP the right lesson.
All Manipur Nupi Marup under the aegis of National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) also joined the nationwide protest organised by Sanyukta Kishan Morcha by staging a protest demonstration at Kangmong in Imphal West district on Saturday.
In a release, All Manipur Nupi Marup secretary L Suma-tibala informed that protesters raised slogans against hike in prices of petrol and diesel, and in demand for withdrawal of the three anti-farm laws, etc.