LAHORE, Oct 18: The Jamaat-i-Islami on Monday expressed its concern over the failure of the government to take steps to ensure that rice and cotton growers get the minimum support price for their produce.

A meeting of the Punjab JI's Political Committee said mills were exploiting cotton growers by purchasing cotton from them for Rs800-880 per maund instead of the fixed support price of Rs925 per maund. Same was the case with the rice growers, said a resolution passed at the meeting. It demanded that the government should take effective measures to ensure that growers get the support price for their crops.

The meeting also expressed its concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, especially in the Punjab. It said the rulers were spending millions of rupees on their own security while the people were left at the mercy of criminals and terrorists. It said the rulers were terrorizing the people in the name of curbing terrorism.

The meeting also considered the political situation obtaining in the province, especially with reference to forthcoming local government elections next year. It also reviewed the role of the JI members of the Punjab Assembly and the National Assembly.

It was proposed that the MMA should speed up political activities in the Punjab to achieve success in the next local government and general elections. It was stated that the people were tired of lawlessness, poverty and corruption and were ready to support those political forces which could get them rid of these problems. Hence, it said, the MMA must start mobilizing the people for the next elections.