Black Flag Protest in Mandya: Farmers Detained as CM DK Shivakumar Visits
Farmers in Mandya were detained after staging a black flag protest against Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar over sugarcane prices and education.
Tensions flared in Mandya on Saturday as farmers staged a black flag protest against Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The demonstration, organized by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, took place just before the Chief Minister's arrival in the district, leading to a standoff with law enforcement and the eventual detention of several protesters.
Demands and Police Crackdown
Gathering near the Sir M Visvesvaraya statue, the protesting farmers voiced several critical grievances. Their primary demands included:
- Fair pricing for sugarcane.
- The protection of government schools.
- The implementation of uniform and equal education.
The farmers had planned to confront the Chief Minister with black flags to signal their dissent. Despite attempts by SP Shobharani to pacify the crowd and convince them to stand down, the protesters remained firm. Consequently, police took the farmers into custody and transported them away from the site in buses to ensure the CM's visit proceeded without disruption.
CM's Arrival and the Mekedatu Project
While the protests unfolded, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived at the PET ground via helicopter, accompanied by Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy. After receiving a guard of honour from the police and a welcome from district administration and local MLAs, the CM visited the PES College premises to receive memorandums and listen to grievances from activists and farmers.
Speaking at the helipad, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the Cauvery river to the people of Mandya. He highlighted the progress of the Mekedatu project, stating that the Supreme Court has permitted the project, which is vital for water storage during lean periods.
Regarding the project's land requirements, the CM noted that a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner has been formed. He mentioned that 2,500 acres have already been provided to the Forest Department as alternative land, and the remaining balance will be fulfilled. He further explained that the Mekedatu project would facilitate the release of 177 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu, ensuring compliance with official orders.
Clash Over ARAI Unit Land
The Chief Minister also addressed allegations made by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy regarding delays in allotting land for an ARAI unit. DK Shivakumar dismissed the claims of non-cooperation, pointing out a shift in the land requirements.
"First they asked for 100 acres. Now they are asking for 500 acres. We will definitely give land," the Chief Minister asserted.
He accused the opposing side of instigating farmers while simultaneously claiming the state government was not cooperating. The CM clarified that Mandya MLA Ravi has already announced the land allocation and challenged the Union Minister to specify the desired land, promising that the government would acquire and provide it.