Demonstrations against ADB in AP

Hyderabad, May 5 (UNI) The Peoples' Forum Against Asian Development Bank (PFAADB) here today held demonstrations against the projects taken up by the bank saying they would adversely affect the poor.

About 2,000 activists thronged Sundarayya Park in large numbers holding banners and placards and raising slogans against the ADB.

Speaking to UNI, Jessy, an Australian who worked for Oxfam said the projects taken up with the bank's funding would displace the poor.

''Australia, which is a donor country, has to make sure its support to ADB is not misused,'' she added.

Sunil Dayaratna, a native of Sri Lanka, said he was forced to vacate the land on which he was running grocery business for an ADB-funded project in Bandaragama.

''Several people were affected. The ADB does projects without environmental and social assessment,'' he added.

Members of National Alliance of People's Movement, National Hawker Federation and National Youth Federation of India from West Bengal holding banners ''ADB Quit Asia'' participated in the rally and raised slogans.

Activists of the Nadi Ghati Morcha of Chattisgarh, Kalahandi Mahila Mahasangha of Orissa and Jharkhand Jangal Bachao Andolan also participated in the demonstration.

UNI ASJ GM AK BD1707