Maharashtra: Activists observe token fast as tribute to farmers who committed suicide

A token fast was observed by farmers’ activists across Maharashtra on Sunday as a tribute to “thousands” of debt-ridden farmers who have ended their life in distress.

The ‘Shetkari Sanghatna’ leader Amar Habib, along with several farmers’ leaders, activists and concerned citizens observed the token fast.

Habib observed his fast in Yavatmal district, where a farmer Sahebrao Karape had ended his life with his family on March 19, 1986.

The farmers’ organisations claimed that it was the first suicide of a farmer due to agriculture distress.

The activists alleged in a statement that farmers have been killing themselves in Maharashtra as well as across the country.

The consecutive governments have been framing anti-farmer rules and regulations. The fasting is also held to protest against such move, the statement said.