Ryots demand payment of arrears

Scores of protesters led by president of Karnataka State Cane Growers’ Association Kurubur Shanthakumar took out a protest rally from Gun House near Basaveshwara circle till Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Several protesters were seen staging a “urulu seve” to register their anger against the government. Police had a tough time to control the protesters, who attempted to lay siege to the DC’s office. The men in khaki used mild force to disperse the crowd, even as protesters raised slogans against the administration and condemned the lack of commitment of officials.

Speaking to reporters, Shanthakumar said the sugar factories paid only ` 1,800 for the year 2010-11 as against ` 2,100. The government should direct the factories to pay the arrears.

He urged deputy commissioner P S Vastrad to convene a meeting of farmers and factory owners at the earliest to decide on the price for the year 2011-12 and payment of the arrears. The farmers withdrew protest after an assurance from DC office that the issue will be resolved before June 30.