Governor appeals to Dharia to end fast

Mumbai, Nov 18 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna today urged noted environmentalist Dr Mohan Dharia to end his five-day long fast on the issue of waiver of loans to farmers.

The Governor, who is on a private visit to China, spoke to Dr Dharia over telephone from Shanghai this afternoon, a Raj Bhavan release issued here said.

Sharing 82-year-old Dharia's concern over the spate of farmers' suicides, Mr Krishna appealed to him to discuss the issue with the Central and State Governments.

According to the Governor, the package announced by the Prime Minister and supplemented by the State Government are a major step in tackling the problem of farmers' distress.

Other measures suggested by Dr Dharia needed careful consideration for which his participation in discussions is important, the Governor said.

UNI JM WD/OBB AKJ RK1815