Globalisation, imperialism are forms of land grabbing: Sawant

Mumbai, May 6 (UNI) Former Supreme Court judge and convener of the Preparatory Committee for Convention Against SEZ and Land Grab Justice P B Sawant has said that besides fighting against SEZs, there was, also the task of fighting other forms of land grabbing (globalisation and imperialism) which was behind such schemes.

Addressing the key-note address at the one-day convention called by the Committee to exchange views and experiences on the struggle against SEZs yesterday evening, Justice (Retd) Sawant laid the blame for the present situation of the people squarely upon the new economic policies.

The Committee is an amalgamation of 13 various organisations, which include Adivasi Ekta Parishad, All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, Bhoomi Sena, IFTU, and Mahamumbai Shetkari Sangharsh Samiti.

Over 1000 delegates from across the country attended the convention.

Delivering his introductory speech, Mr Sanjay Singhvi of the Trade Union Centre of India (TUCI) expressed the hope that the Convention would be the first step towards the formation of a forum against SEZs, which would fight uncompromisingly against US-led globalisation and imperialism.

''Though, at the moment, there are no plans to create a forum, the formation of such a forum could lead to the creation of a front, which is also eagerly awaited by the struggling people who were faced by the duplicitous behaviour of the UPA, the NDA and the Left Front alike,'' Singhvi added. The convention also adopted a resolution, pledging to carry their fight on the issue at every possible forum.

The participants also observed a one-minute silence for the victims of the Nandigram police firing.

UNI