JOIN USNo respite from protests for Sugar Town residents
With the KSRTC stir coming to an end on Wednesday evening, there was no respite for the city on Thursday as members of various organisations took to streets pressing the authorities for fulfillment of their demands.
Members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha staged a protest near VC Farm, on the outskirts of the city, against the alleged harassment of farmers transporting sand in bullock carts by police personnel.
The protesters blocked the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway for a while and disrupted vehicular movement.
The farmers, who gathered on the highway in bullock carts, began the protest. They raised slogans against the state and the Central governments for harassing innocent farmers, levying fine in thousands of rupees.
The agitating farmers said that they would not relent till the authorities issue permission for transportation of sand in bullock carts. Sand is not available for construction of toilets and houses. The authorities concerned should give permission to farmers who are financially poor, they urged.
MLA K S Puttannaiah, led the protest sitting in the middle of the road. Tahsildar Maruti Prasasnna, who arrived on the spot, tried in vain to convince the MLA.
The MLA insisted that the authorities should stop intercepting sand-laden bullock carts and provide them permission as per law.
The agitating farmers relented after Tahsildar Maruti Prasanna assured them of appropriate actions in addressing the problem.
Mahadayi issue
Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a shirtless protest march in the town, condemning Mahadayi River Water Dispute Tribunal’s decision to reject interim plea by Karnataka government.
“The elected representatives have failed to exert pressure on the Central government. They should tender resignation, owing moral responsibility. The authorities should also take steps to reopen the MySugar factory in the district at the earliest,” they said.
Animal traders
Members of the Animal Rearers and Traders Association staged a protest against the harassment by farmers and Prani Daya Sangha during transportation of cattle from village fairs.
The permission letter for transportation of animals should be given at the cattle fair itself for smooth transit, they demanded.
They demanded a CID probe into the activities of Pinjrapole in Mysuru. They also sought withdrawal of cases filed against traders and issuance of licence to sell beef, mutton, chicken and pork.