Oppose SEZs, says India Social Forum

Aarti Dhar

"These will displace thousands of people and destroy farmers' livelihood"

— Photo: Sandeep Saxena

DETERMINED TO FIGHT: Social activists Medha Patkar and Aruna Roy at the
India Social Forum in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: The India Social Forum concluded here on Monday with a call
to make governments accountable and answerable to the people, and to
fight for the rights of the marginalised sections.

Speaking at the concluding function, social activist Aruna Roy asked the
people to come together to raise their voice against special economic
zones (SEZs), which would displace thousands and take away the
livelihoods of thousands others dependent on agricultural land.

"We will fight for our rights in different ways, be it music, culture or
even coming out on the streets to draw the attention of the Government
that is out to destroy democracy."

"Not here to beg"

Ms. Roy said: "The country does not belong to a handful of bureaucrats
and politicians, but to the people. And neither does the world belong to
Bush or Blair," adding, "We are not here to beg, but to take our dues."

Asking the people to utilise the Right to Information Act to "expose"
the "irresponsible and anti-social" Government, Ms. Roy said it was
bureaucrats who wanted the Act amended for, having to part with
information, they felt threatened.

"We leave this place with a pledge to oppose SEZs, and work for the
formulation of policies for the poor and the displaced. Ultimately, the
politicians have to come to us for votes, and that will be the time to
give them a fitting reply."

Creating linkages

Expressing solidarity with the people's struggle, Lebohang Phekoin,
South African activist working for the rights of indigenous people, said
the Forum was an opportunity to create linkages and solidarity. "We gain
strength from each other to further our cause." The basic issues were
governance, land, and policies, and the stress was on including the
citizens' input in the nation-building process.

``Good response''

Impressed with the response the Forum received, Ms. Phekoin said it was
good to see the socially and economically marginalised sections coming
together.

The five-day meet ended with performances by Rewben Mashangva, Manipuri
artiste and pioneer of the "Naga folk Blues"; Maya Rani, a "baul" singer
from Bangladesh; Nepathya, a band from Nepal that combines traditional
folk music with rock; and a team from Africa, whose musical performance
consists of several styles including poetry.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/14/stories/2006111401861300.htm