The Hindu : Other States / Rajasthan News : Historic victory, says CPI(M)

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Monday, Dec 13, 2004

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Historic victory, says CPI(M)

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, DEC. 12. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) today hailed the agreement of agitating farmers with the Rajasthan Government on the issue of distribution of Indira Gandhi Canal waters as a "historic victory" and announced withdrawal of its massive demonstration in front of the State Secretariat here proposed for tomorrow. The party had extended its support to the campaign and its senior leaders participated in the agitation.

The CPI(M) will organise a "victory week" from December 13 to 20 all over the State, beginning with marches in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh tomorrow. The party will hold a memorial service in Khajuwala town in Bikaner district on December 15 to pay tributes to the farmer, Hazoor Singh, who was killed allegedly in police action during the agitation recently.

A rally will also be taken out in the town after curfew is lifted.

The CPI(M) State Secretary, Vasudev, talking to reporters here, said the agitation had revealed the "anti-farmer" attitude of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government, which had mindlessly indulged in issuing threats and warnings. He said the Government was compelled to come to the negotiating table by the popular support enjoyed by those leading the movement.

"The repeated statements given by the Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, and Home Minister, Gulab Chand Kataria, describing farmers as anti-social elements and threatening vindictive action added fuel to the fire," Mr. Vasudev said, while pointing out that the farmers in the State had successfully fought against injustice and discrimination.

The CPI(M) leader, while accusing the BJP-led Government of failing on all fronts, said Ms. Raje did not have the courage to visit the north-western part of the State and talk to farmers as she realised the widespread disapproval of her policies in the region. "Far from being merely a law and order problem, it was a deeper malaise caused by the Government's failure on the water management front," he said.

Mr. Vasudev said all sections of society, such as traders, students, farmers and labourers, had joined the agitation as the BJP-led Government's "obstinate" stance was evident since the beginning.

With curfew clamped in several areas, life in three districts had come to a standstill and people had suffered losses running into crores of rupees.

However, Ms. Raje expressed happiness over the accord reached with the farmers and assured that the irrigation and drinking water needs in the region would be fully taken care of.

An official release issued here quoted her as saying that the State Government would take all steps to supply water to farmers living near the tail-end of the canal and reduce losses by better management.

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