IN a statement issued on August 4, Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of CPI(M) has said that an extraordinary circumstance has arisen due to the inhuman decision of the Madhya Pradesh government to implement the Narmada Valley authorities’ decision to close the gates of the Sardar Sarovar dam which will lead to submergence of 192 villages and eviction of 40,000 families in Madhya Pradesh.  There was an agreement that before closing the gate, rehabilitation work should be completed.  The Supreme Court upheld this decision. But disregarding this order, the gates have been closed, consequent to which the submergence of the affected villages has started. 

It is under these circumstances that Medha Patkar along with a large number of inhabitants of the project area, started an indefinite fast from July 27 onwards demanding that the rehabilitation of the affected people be done first. We are concerned at her deteriorating health as her fast enters the ninth day. 

The CPI(M) condemns the attitude of the Madhya Pradesh government and demands that the central government intervene immediately to settle the issue in the interest of the project-affected people.  The CPI(M) also extends its support to the struggle of the people for their proper rehabilitation.  We appeal to Medha Patkar to end her fast.  We can jointly formulate further course of action to carry forward the struggle.