CM calls meeting, sugarcane growers call off protest

Sugarcane farmers withdrew their protest in Belagavi following an assurance by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to convene a meeting to discuss their problems.

Sugarcane growers had launched an indefinite protest in front of the deputy commissioner's office in Belagavi demanding factories settle their dues and announce purchase price for the current crushing season. The protest entered second day on Friday.

The chief minister, while speaking to reporters after inaugurating a slew of projects in Bengaluru, said that he had called a meeting on Monday for discussing the problems faced by sugarcane farmers. He said he was well-aware that farmers were being instigated against the government. "I know how much money is being spent to instigate farmers. But, farmers should understand that those instigating them do not want their welfare." he said.

Raitha Sangha leader Chonappa Pujeri said in Belagavi that he spoke to the chief minister over phone and that the meeting had been scheduled for November 19. "In view of the assurance by the chief minister, we are withdrawing our protest," he said.