Sugarcane farmers protest in Vijayapura over pricing demands
Protesters gathered at a toll gate during a statewide bandh called by farmers' organisations.
Sugarcane growers held a demonstration at the Hittinahalli toll gate in Vijayapura district on Saturday. The protest occurred during a statewide bandh called by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene regarding sugarcane pricing.
The farmers are demanding a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their produce. Farmer leader Bhagyarasa Sannada stated that the agitation would persist until the requirements of sugarcane growers are addressed, alleging that both state and central governments have failed to meet their aspirations.
Police intervened at the toll gate to manage the situation, leading to a verbal altercation between officers and protesters. As the demonstration grew, passengers arriving from other towns had to walk to reach their destinations.
In Dharwad, Deputy Commissioner Snehal R imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. These restrictions apply to four National Highways and areas within a five-kilometre radius to maintain public peace and traffic movement.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha state president Chunappa Pujeri had previously called for the bandh, appealing to various groups to participate. He accused the state government, the Centre, and sugar factory owners of failing to protect farmers' interests.