NCP concerned over farmers agitation taking violent turn

Mumbai, Nov 9 (UNI) Maharashtra NCP today voiced concern over the farmers agitation demanding hike in the guarantee price for sugarcane taking violent turn in several parts of the state's sugar belt.

Addressing a press conference here,party spokesman Madan Bafna charged that certain elements who wanted to harm the sugar co-operative movement in the state were inciting violence. He also criticised Rajya Sabha member Sharad Joshi's stand on the issue.

He said his party had nothing against farmers protesting against hike in the guarantee price announced by the Centre.''But,the demand should be through peaceful means. Preventing farmers from going to their fields and damaging the wheels of their trucks and setting vehicles on fire was absolutely not done,''he said.

Mr Bafna said this year had recorded a bumper sugar production and his party was of the view that sugar export should be allowed so that the farmers get good price for their crop.

He said the government should take neccessary steps to stop the violence.

Mr Bafna also appealed to former Union Minister Mohan Dharia not to go on hunger strike from November 14 to protest against the continuing farmers suicides in Vidarbha. ''Instead, he should supplement the efforts of the government in finding a solution to the problem,'' he added.

Mr Bafna said NCP did not support Mr Dharia's demand for waiving off farmers loans.

''My party was of the view that since there has been a record sugarcane production,the entire crop should be crushed and all farmers should be benefited,'' he said and added that consumers should not also face burden of a price hike.

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