JOIN USTemporary halt to sericulturists' protest
The decision was taken after Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa promised to accompany the farmers’ and sericulturists’ unions in New Delhi when they meet the Union finance and textile ministers.
K H Muniyappa, legislator V Muniyappa, former minister K M Krishna Reddy and additional director M O Nagaraju visited the protesting sericulturists at the Silk Market.
‘Protest beneficial’
Addressing the sericulturists, the Union Minister said the protest had made it easier to speak to the Finance Minister about the issue.
“Union Ministers Veerappa Moily and S M Krishna have also already spoken to the Finance Minister about the matter and we have told the Union government to take action against unlawful export of agricultural produce.”
Higher costs
The production expenditure for farmers has increased. “A forum of 15 farmers will carry a report by the State government and speak to the Union finance and textile ministers by December 5, convincing them of the problems the farmers face,” Muniyappa added.
Additional director M O Nagaraju said Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has called a meeting of sericulturists’ leaders on November 21.
Playing safe
Wary of futile efforts and fake promises, the protestors, however, reminded the authorities gathered that the union minister had said nothing about hiking back the duty rates.
“He has only said he would accompany the farmers’ forum when they speak to the Finance Minister,” the protestors added.
“Elected representatives who try to solve problems using nothing more than a letter, however, often turn a blind eye to repeated protests of farmers,” mocked the sericulturists and warned of a fierce fight ‘if the talks in New Delhi fail’.