Anna Hazare willing to be mediator to farmers, state

Mumbai: The agitating farmers have received support from social activist Anna Hazare, who has expressed his willingness to mediate between them and the state government. “I extend my support to the farmers’ agitation and the cause behind it. It is better if they resort to a peaceful way of protest,” he said.

With the strike entering the second day on Friday, there are reports of the agitation turning violent in some parts of the state following incidents of stone pelting and vandalism, with vehicles carrying milk and vegetables to Mumbai, being damaged. Mr Hazare appealed to the farmers to keep their cool and not resort to violent measures.  He alleged that farmers have resorted to protests due to ‘anti-farmer’ policies of the government.

The veteran social activist expressed his desire to join discussions between the leaders of the agitation and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “If farmers’ leaders wish so, I am ready to initiate a dialogue with farmers and the government,” he said. “Farmers must get an assurance on price of their agricultural produce based on expenses incurred by them. This demand has always been neglected by all the past governments,” he said.

“Satyagraha is a birthright of all. The government should not use police force when there is a peaceful agitation. A non-political movement of farmers is necessary to pressure the political system to meet the demands of farmers,” he added.

Farmers from many parts of the state, including Nashik, Pune, and Ahmednagar, have joined the stir spearheaded by farmers’ activists.