``We are not against development or industries. We are ourselves industrious. However, SEZs are a part of imperialism,'' Patkar, who also participated in a morcha organised by the SEZ Virodhi Sangharsha Kriti Samiti, said here on Friday.

She said acquisition of land for SEZs would not only pose problems for the farmers but also endanger the existence of small and medium indigenous industries. Patkar said in the pretext of setting up SEZ, people were grabbing land and other resources like water and power. ``The SEZs should only be permitted with the gram sabha's approval,'' she said.

Blaming the State and the Centre for giving concessions to multinational companies and SEZs, she asked: ``Why so many concessions are being given to them?''

She also attacked Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for suggesting that acquisition of land should be subject to negotiations between the farmers and the companies.

``We will never accept his suggestion. After all, companies are supported by the government and the farmers are on their own. Being Agriculture Minister, Pawar is expected to stand by the farmers. He should return the land acquired for Lake City too,'' Patkar added.