As part of the agitation, farmers began marching from Gurlapur towards Hindalga Jail. Photo: X screengrab | @ians_india
Karnataka sugarcane stir intensifies as farmers launch ‘Jail Bharo’ protest in Belagavi
Tensions flare as farmers step up agitation, demanding Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and a revision of sugar prices and ethanol procurement policy
Belagavi (Karnataka), Nov 2 (PTI) The protest by sugarcane farmers demanding a hike in the procurement price for their produce intensified here on Monday, with tensions mounting near Hindalga Central Prison as protesters launched a 'Jail Bharo' agitation.
The deadline set by farmers for the state government and sugar factories to announce a fair price for sugarcane expired, prompting them to step up their protest.
As part of the agitation, farmers began marching from Gurlapur towards Hindalga Jail.
Meanwhile, farmers from neighbouring villages attempted to lay siege to the prison, prompting police personnel to step in to prevent them from entering the premises.
Tensions flared as police attempted to disperse the protesters, leading to heated exchanges and jostling between the two sides.
Dramatic scenes unfolded near the jail as police personnel struggled to contain the agitating farmers and maintain law and order.
The farmers are demanding Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane, an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 60 per kg, and review of the Centre's ethanol procurement policy for sugarcane-based ethanol, among others.
Last week, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi to take early decisions on the demands of sugarcane farmers, including revising the MSP of sugar to end the ongoing agitation and facilitate the commencement of crushing operations. PTI