The Hindu : Kerala News : Red Flag plans march on March 30

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Friday, Mar 25, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Red Flag plans march on March 30

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, MARCH 24. The CPI (ML) Red Flag will take out marches to Central Government offices on March 30 in protest against the Seeds Bill and the Parliament's approval to the Third Patents (Amendment) Bill, 2005.

Addressing presspersons at the Ernakulam Press Club today, the Red Flag secretary, M.S. Jayakumar, said both the legislations were against national interests. "While the Patents Bill will result in, among other things, India losing the competitive edge as regards the low price of medicines here, the Seeds Bill will result in farmers here being forced to rely on seeds of multinational companies. These laws, which have been brought forth on directions of the WTO [World Trade Organisation], are an infringement on the country's sovereignty," he said.

``We have embarked on a mass campaign to drive home the point that these laws will adversely affect India. It is ironical that the Left parties have supported the Patents Bill,'' Mr. Jayakumar added.

The Red Flag State secretary, P.C. Unnichekkan, said that under the Seeds Bill, only seeds that are registered could be used for farming. "If it is so, the hundreds of traditionally used seeds will be of no use. Under no circumstances must tribal and traditional forms of medicine be brought under the Patents Bill. Unlike other countries, India is not taking steps to protect indigenous seeds and medicines. Our country will lose all existing markets if the laws are implemented," he said.

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