K M Mani seeks intervention of Sonia Gandhi to save farmers

Kottayam, Apr 16 (UNI) Kerala Congress leader K M Mani, today sought the intervention of Congress President Sonia Gandhi to save the crisis-ridden farmers.

Sitting on a dharna before the Head Post Office here, Mr Mani appealed to the Union Commerce Minister to give an assurance that the import duty on rubber should not be reduced.

The dharna was staged under the auspices of the Kerala Congress(M) in support of the demand to stop the import of agricultural products and edible oil by reducing import duty.

The import of edible oil by reducing duty would adversely affect the coconut growers, he said, and sought the intervention of Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) district Secretary K J Thomas appealed to the Union Government to desist from the proposal to reduce the import duty on rubber.

UNI