HYDERABAD, March 4: Speakers at a seminar on “Effects of Forced Labour on Agriculture”, held here the other day, observed the agriculture sector would receive an impetus if peasants were allowed to work with freedom and without any fear.

The speakers, including Pakistan People’s Party leader Jam Saqi, labour leader Qamoos Gul Khattak and some peasant leaders, demanded of the government to implement the Bonded Labour Act in letter and spirit.

They said the government should take steps to eliminate unlawful compulsory labour in agriculture sector in Sindh.

The speakers said political parties and NGOs should join hands to evolve a strategy to end compulsory labour.

They deplored the sale and purchase of peasants on the pretext of loans was going on and peasants were being subjected to inhuman excesses by landlords, in connivance with the police.

Criticizing the administration and landlords for violating the Bonded Labour Act, they said it was not true the agriculture sector would be destroyed if the forced labour was abolished.