UPA, Oppn united in gagging people on SEZs: Patkar

A day after she was arrested along with her fellow social activists, Medha Patkar accused the United Progressive Alliance government and the Opposition of being hand-in-glove with corporates and gagging people's movements to push through a common agenda on special economic zones.

The Magsaysay Award winner, and about 30 other women activists, were at Chanakyapuri Police Station early today, before being moved to Tihar Jail on a 15-day judicial remand.

The activists were charged with rioting, trespassing into Yojana Bhawan and attempting to assault policemen.

Two earlier cases were also resurrected by the magistrate yesterday to consolidate the case against Patkar. She was charged with participating in a dharna held by former Prime Minister VP Singh against sealing in Delhi last year and indefinite fasting (attempt to suicide) over the Narmada issue.

However, members of the Planning Commission said they were not aware of any complaints being made by the commission against the activists.

The arrested activists are part of a ongoing agitation near Jantar Mantar, Action 2007. Action 2007 is a platform for movements across the country, voicing their views and concerns on issues like SEZs and displacement of farmers and tribals dues to land acquisitions.

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Medha Patkar spoke to Sreelatha Menon a day after she was arrested on rioting charges on Thursday. Excerpts:

What could be the reason for the arrest?
The government wants to finalise SEZ norms. So they are incarcerating me.

Is it panic?
No. It is because the government does not want any challenge. They are so confident. There is no Opposition party. Both the government and the Opposition are with the builders and corporates. The only opposition is from the people's movement. So, they want us out of the way.

You had invited ministers and officials for the ongoing agitation. Did any one turn up?
No. The basic reason behind this sudden arrest is that the government does not want to talk to the people. There are thousands participating in the Action 2007 rally. Why should the government avoid them?

Will it talk only to Ficci and Assocham at Le Meridian on SEZs? Yesterday, we went for talks. They arrested us. Maoists will laugh at us. For, they don't talk. But people's movements are always asking for a dialogue. The government's reaction is immature.