SJM threatens mass movement against SEZs

Bangalore, July 14 (UNI) Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) Member K N Govindacharya today said the need of the hour was to launch a political pro-people mass movement to oppose the present concept of SEZs, which were 'against the economic objectives of the country.' ''Farmers, artisans, traders and unemployed youth should come together to fight the mindless globalisation which gave rise to inequality and unbridled consumerism,'' Mr Govindacharya told reporters here today.

He suggested an alternative economic model with agro-based SEZs owned by farmers instead of industrialists to achieve the objectives of economic equality, protection of heritage and dignity of women.

''The Manch is against aping of Chinese model for setting up SEZs as it is against the social ethos of the country,'' he said.

Mr Govindacharya said for achieving these objectives, there was a need for consolidating pro-people forces into a mass movement.

Presently several mass organisations, including the SJM, were in the process of shaping into a mass movement against the SEZs, he claimed and said the gravity of the situation would force the launch of a national level protest.

He also urged the political parties to stop indulging in double standards, shed partisan attitude, and come in support of the poor and downtrodden for the cause.

UNI