SANGUEM
A growing number of political leaders, NGOs and other farming associations on Monday pledged their support to the agitation by sugarcane farmers in Sanguem, which went on for the third day.
The Uus Utpadak Sangarsh Samiti, which is organising the indefinite agitation, has vowed to continue the protest to demand a written assurance from the government over compensation for the standing crop till the time operations resume at the Sanjivani Sugar Factory.
The ongoing agitation received a boost as sugarcane cultivators from other talukas also joined in the protest.
Eight of the 12 executive committee members of Shetkari Sanghatna including its President Rajendra Dessai were present at the agitation.
Dessai, along with the eight Shetkari Sanghatna members, extended his full support to the agitation.
“The sugar factory should not be closed. We have made it clear from time to time that decisions are being taken without consulting the association,” claimed Dessai.
Harshad Prabhu Desai, Vice-president of the Progressive Farmers and Sugarcane Growers Association, said the Uus Utpadak Sangarsh Samiti had decided to hold the indefinite protest.
Former Sanguem MLA Vassudev Meng Gaonkar, who is also president of BJP Kissan Morcha, also extended his support to the agitating farmers.
Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar and social activist Tara Kerkar also spoke at the agitation.
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai also visited the agitating sugarcane farmers and while pledging the party’s support to them, said the government was trying to finish sugarcane cultivation in the State.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar also addressed the agitating sugarcane farmers and assured full support.
Others who extended their support included Bhati Sarpanch Uday Naik, Netravali Deputy Sarpanch Abhijit Desai, former councillor Rumaldo Fernandes, Chairman of the Rivona VKS Society Jose Alphonso, Meshu Da Costa, Uday Gaonkar, Adv Marshall Fernandes, Adv Anand Gavkar and Santosh Gaonkar.
