Congress demands revival of sick sugar mills

Patna, May 26 (UNI) The Bihar Congress today accused the state government of adopting ''indifferent'' attitude towards sick sugar mills and demanded revival of three major sugar factories of Madhubani district, lying defunct for the past several years.

Addressing a Kisan Panchayat in Madhubani, chief spokesman of the state Congress Prem Chandra Mishra alleged that in order to favour a particular sugar mill to be opened by Madras-based businessman, the Bihar government was deliberatlely neglecting the interest of farmers and the three sugar mills of the district.

Mr Mishra said sick sugar mills, based in Raiyam, Sakri and Lohar, used to cater to the needs of the sugarcane farmers of the area.

He demanded payment of arrears to the farmers, who were suffering due to non-payment of the dues against the sugarcanes supplied to these sugar mills.

He alleged that the state government had promised to a Madras -based businessman that no sugar mill would be allowed to be opened in Madhubani district besides the one to be established by the said company.

Mr Mishra threatened that the Congress would intensify its agitation if the demands were not accepted by the government.

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