PANJIM: Standing in solidarity with farmers of India whose protests have entered the 100th day, the Goanchya Kul Mundkarancho Aawaz (GKMA) held a protest at Azad Maidan, Panjim to extend its support to the demands of the protesting farmers.
Currently, there is widespread farmer protest happening against the three reforms — Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act; and the Goa-based farmers’ group voiced its opposition to these bills.
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A GKMA leader addressing media persons took potshots at the State government and referred to how the government’s plan regarding municipal reservations was successfully challenged in the High Court.
“It is clear that the BJP government has no fear and it does whatever it feels like,” he said explaining how the farmers of India are also fighting the Centre’s plans.
He called on the public to join what he described as an “anti-fascist” agitation.
Highlighting the importance of farmers to the country, agriculturalist Sandra Fernandes said it was a shame that instead of thanking these farmers, they were brutally attacked.
She lamented that many farmers lost their lives during the protests.
“For over 100 days, the farmers are asking for their rights and have been denied. This is unfair! We must not forget that over 80 per cent of India’s population depends on farming. The government should take the farmers into confidence and withdraw these bills,” she demanded.
Adv Victor Savio Braganca of CPI (M) accused the Centre of being totally deaf and blind to the farmers and being in the pockets of few capitalists who have ideas to take over the agricultural production in India.
“The farmers have seen through the intention behind these bills. Though the government is trying to compromise with small amendments here and there, the farmers have refused to compromise and agree to any of these amendments,” he added.
