ASEAN pact to hit Kerala's agrarian economy: CPI(M)

KANNUR: Reiterating its opposition to the free trade pact with the ASEAN member nations, the CPI(M) on Saturday said the agreement would shatter Kerala's agrarian economy.

With the Centre deciding to go ahead with the free trade agreement, Kerala's economy would be the worst hit in comparison with any other states, S Ramachandran Pillai, CPI(M) polit bureau member said.

The impact of the trade pact on the agriculture and fisheries sectors in Kerala would be severe and people should launch a united fight against the "anti-people" policies of the Centre, Pillai said, while addressing the pro-CPI(M) 'Karshaka Sangham' meeting at Kuthuparamba near here.

Expressing concern over the plight of farmers, he said the Centre had not cleared any of the apprehensions nor extended relief to the cultivators before going ahead with the pact, that would take effect from early next year.

It is "unfortunate" that the opposition UDF in Kerala was trying to justify the Centre for going ahead with the pact, he remarked.