The Times of India carries a story of what it calls “perhaps the first case of farmer suicide in Gujarat,", in which "a debt-ridden farmer in Shera village of Bharuch district died on Monday by consuming pesticide.”

People are taking action. Says The New Nation:

"What began as a sombre exercise to express anguish at the continuing demise of the farming community-triggered by the anti-farmer policies of government-by lighting a candle at the Jantar Mantar on Nov 16, has now spread throughout the country. Candlelight vigils are being organised across the country in solidarity with the fast-unto-death undertaken by the veteran freedom-fighter Mohan Dharia in Pune, and also to draw the attention of the people and policymakers towards the terrible agrarian crisis that afflicts the countryside, says a message received from New Delhi." ... read more »

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Posted on 30 November, 2006 - 02:12