CPI(M) condemns lathicharge in Rajasthan

Kolkata, Oct 17 (UNI) The CPI(M), West Bengal, today condemned the police action against farmers in Rajasthan and described it as ''anti-democracy and repressive''.

In a statement, state committee secretary Biman Basu said the people of West Bengal were worried at the manner in which the farmers, demanding water for agriculture were lathicharged by police and urged the Rajasthan government to hold negotiations with them.

''The CPI (M) State Committee strongly condemns the anti-democracy, anti-farmer and repressive steps of the Rajasthan Government. It extends solidarity with the struggling peasants as well as demands that the government release those arrested and hold talks with the agitating farmers,'' he said.

The statement said if farmers were not provided water from Indira Gandhi Canal, the Rabi cultivation in the state would be badly hit and the growers would be in deep trouble. ''The government should give up its repressive measures and supply the water as per agreement,'' it said.

UNI KDG KK SAM BD1949