MARGAO
Taking the side of the farmers in the struggle to regain democracy, secularism and independence, the Goa chapter of the National Confederation of Human Rights Organization on Wednesday resolved to struggle peacefully to affirm the fundamental rights of the farmers and workers, Dalits, tribals and other backward religious communities and caste groups.
Addressing the media, NCHRO Goa Chapter President Ranjan Solomon said: "The farmers' protest has now emerged as a national struggle for democracy, secularism and independence from a repressive and retrogressive regime."
"India is once again on the verge of reclaiming democracy, via the historic farmer-led resistance and struggle to reclaim democracy from its oppressors."
At a meeting held here on Wednesday to observe the 100th day of the farmers' agitation in India, Ranjan said the massive campaign organized by India’s farmers against the three laws to deregulate the agricultural sector continue unabated.
He said the BJP at the Centre and the states have become an instrument in the hands of the corporates, especially Corporates, in turn, view themselves as the ones who pay the political bills of the party in power.
“The Parliament passed the three Bills, now Acts, related to agriculture which aims to liberalize trade and increase the number of buyers, this may not be sufficient to attract more customers. In the given rural market system, the farmers, especially the poor producers, will lose. Farmers rightfully demand that Minimum Support Price (MSP) and state procurement be converted into a legal right. They also want that diesel prices for agriculture are slashed by 50 per cent and that the Electricity Ordinance of 2020 be abolished,” Ranjan said.
Ramakrishna Jhalmi said the BJP won the last election on the guarantee of doubling up the farm income. “Deceit has followed that promise. To please their corporate masters, they look to strengthen corporate profits rather than farmers' income,” he added.
Adv Anacleto Viegas was also present.
