THE 28 km march from Dubbak to Siddipet in Andhra Pradesh on July 3 was a march with difference conveying the message of life and to fight. Positive vibes were in the air when thousands of starving weavers took up the march in the morning and continued till evening highlighting the problems they are forced to face. The national convenor of SJM Shri Arun Ojha led the march. Zonal organising secretary Shri Appala Prasad, Rajya Sabha MP of TDP Smt Gundu Sudha Rani, former national convenor of SJM Shri P Murlidhar Rao were also present on the occasion.
The SJM in the recent past has made strenuous efforts in bringing to light the woes and hardships of the handloom weavers in Andhra Pradesh. Thousands of villagers in Dubbak, Ramakkapet, Lachchapet, Dharmajipet of Medak districts have taken up the path of agitation under the guidance of SJM during the past four months. At least 124 handloom weavers have committed suicide in these areas. As there is no help from the government, their families are in a helpless state. Nearly 500 families are starving for food as unemployment in the field of handloom glares at them. After the SJM took up the issue the weaver fraternity gained confidence. Smt Gundu Sudha Rani promised to extend all possible help. Shri P Murlidhar Rao called to continue the fight till all the rights of weavers are achieved. Shri Arun Ojha called the weaver fraternity not to take the extreme step rather take up the path of battle.
(FOC)
