Gujarat farmers ready to march into Mithi Virdi

The Jal Jungal Jamin Yatra of farmers to save their land from being 'usurped' by industrialists completed 88km of total 350km by Saturday evening.

After passing through Talaja, the yatra of around 3,000 farmers, men, women and children will, on Sunday morning, reach Mithi Virdi proper where villagers are protesting a proposed nuclear power plant.

"The people of Mithi Viradi and the surrounding villages collectively opposing the proposed power plant on Saturday met with some of the farmers of Mahuva on the outskirts of the village. The identification of farmers, traders and common men of Mithi Viradi with the grievances of Mahuva farmers is an indication that rural Gujarat is facing a common threat of elimination of their community resources by those sitting in Delhi and Gandhinagar," said Dr Kanubhai Kalsariya, the BJP MLA of Mahuva who is leading the march.

Just as the farmers are opposing nuclear power plant at Jaitapur, the farmers of Bhavnagar are also against the nuclear power plant.

"The farmers and protesters at Jaitapur are invited to join the march by the leader of Mahuva-Gandhinagar march. As the march progresses further, activists, journalists and concerned citizens have started joining the agitation," Dr Kalsariya added.

The marchers are overwhelmed by the kind of offerings given to them everyday. Some give vegetables and some grain, while others are offering their vehicles and premises for night halts.

"Participants feel at home in every village and therein lies the success of the march," he concluded.