Date:09/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/09/stories/2007060906741200.htm

National

JD(U) warns of agitation against setting up SEZs

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav on Friday warned the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government of a nation-wide agitation against setting up Special Economic Zones.

At a press conference here, Mr. Yadav said the zones coming up on farmers' land would impinge on food security and economy and cause "unrest."

Mr. Yadav said if the SEZ Act was not scrapped, the JD (U) would launch a massive agitation.

"People from Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Orissa and many other States are agitating against those who are acquiring their land for SEZs. The nation-wide protests have caused many deaths but the Government is not responsive to the protest at all," he said.

Questioning why a Group of Ministers was set up when the Government was giving approvals to SEZs, Mr. Yadav said if the Government thought it could make false promises to cool the frayed tempers, it was wrong.