Belagavi Police Clamp Down: Section 163 Imposed Over Farmers' Rally
Belagavi police clamp prohibitory orders under Section 163 to prevent unrest during the farmers' Kendra Karyalaya Abhiyan rally.
Tensions are mounting in Karnataka as the Belagavi City Police Commissionerate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The move comes in response to the proposed Belagavi farmers protest, specifically the Kendra Karyalaya Abhiyan, which was scheduled to take place at the Deputy Commissioner's office.
Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil issued the order, which came into effect at 6 am on November 5 and is set to remain in force until 6 am on November 7, 2026. The decision was based on a report from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), which warned that farmers from multiple districts were likely to descend upon Belagavi city for the agitation.
Strict Restrictions to Prevent Chaos
Authorities expressed deep concern over the potential for large gatherings in a city that houses critical infrastructure, including bus stands, courts, government offices, and educational institutions. To prevent traffic gridlock and maintain public peace, the prohibitory orders have been clamped across several key jurisdictions, including:
- Market Police Station
- Malmaruti Police Station
- Shahapur Police Station
- APMC Police Station
- Belagavi Rural Police Station
Under these orders, the assembly of more than five people is strictly prohibited. The police have also banned the carrying of lethal objects such as sticks, swords, knives, and spears. Furthermore, taking out rallies or processions, using loudspeakers without prior authorization, and delivering provocative speeches are forbidden during this period.
However, the administration has provided exemptions for emergency services, funeral processions, marriage functions, and religious programs, provided the necessary permissions are obtained.
The Root of the Conflict: Sugarcane Pricing
The sudden security crackdown follows a wave of unrest among sugarcane growers. Recently, farmers staged intense protests at the Hittinahalli toll gate in Vijayapura district, demanding a fair price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their produce. This coincided with a statewide Karnataka bandh called by various farmers' organizations.
Government Intervention and Deadlocks
Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi has stepped in to mediate the ongoing deadlock between the sugarcane growers and sugar mill operators. In a preliminary round of talks in Belagavi, which included representatives from factory owners and Maharashtra’s Shetkari Sanghatana, the Minister admitted that a final consensus has not yet been reached.
"A meeting was held with sugar factory owners and farmers’ representatives to discuss their respective demands. However, no final decision was reached. Discussions are ongoing... and efforts will be made to resolve the issues," Minister Jarkiholi stated.
The Minister highlighted that the grievances of the farmers and the demands of the factory owners are fundamentally different, complicating the negotiation process. While discussions regarding the price are ongoing, Jarkiholi noted that there has been no discussion regarding the SIP.
While the government is facilitating meetings under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Minister Jarkiholi acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation, stating that the resolution is not entirely in the government's hands as it depends on the agreement between the factory owners' association and the unions.