Cauvery issue: Farmers resume protest in Srirangapatna

Farmers, under the banner of Raitha Sangha, resumed the protest by blocking the highway, in Srirangapatna, on Tuesday, after the Cauvery Water Management Authority recommended to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days.

It may be mentioned that the protest by various organisations was temporarily withdrawn after the authorities stopped releasing of water from KRS dam, last Friday. District in-charge and Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy had assured the agitators that the government is committed to protect the farmers.

The agitators torched tyres at Kuvempu Circle and stopped the vehicles to vent their ire. There was a heated exchange of words with the police, when they tried to stop them from torching the tyres.

"We are in misery. Don't stop us. Arrest us, if you have courage", challenged Raitha Sangha taluk president Maralagala Krishnegowda.

"The state government has assured that it will not release water to Tamil Nadu from KRS dam, even if there is an order. It should stand by its assurance. The protests would be intensified if the government tries to mete out injustice to the farmers," said Raitha Sangha district president A L Kempugowda.

Hundreds of people from Raitha Sangha and Kannada organisations took part in the protest.