Karnataka Bandh: Sugarcane Farmers Clash With Police Over Price Demands
Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka stage protests and block toll gates demanding Rs 5,500 per tonne. Read about the impact on traffic and administration.
Tensions flared across Karnataka on Saturday as sugarcane farmers launched a statewide bandh, bringing traffic to a standstill in several areas. The agitation, spearheaded by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, centers on a critical demand for a fair price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their produce.
Chaos at Vijayapura Toll Gate
The heat of the protest was most evident in the Vijayapura district, where farmers converged at the Hittinahalli toll gate. The demonstration quickly escalated as protesters attempted to block the passage, leading to a heated verbal altercation between the farmers and the police personnel deployed at the scene.
The blockade had a significant impact on commuters. As the protest gained momentum, passengers arriving from various towns found themselves stranded, with many forced to travel on foot to reach their final destinations.
"We Will Not Stop," Says Farmer Leader
Speaking to the media, farmer leader Bhagyarasa Sannada made it clear that the agitation is far from over. He expressed deep frustration with the authorities, stating that both the state and central governments have failed to meet the aspirations of sugarcane growers.
"We are protesting against the government. Both the state and central governments have failed to fulfil the aspirations of sugarcane growers. Therefore, we will continue our protest until our demands are met," Sannada asserted.
Despite the lack of official permission for the protest, Sannada emphasized that the farmers are determined to continue their demonstration until the government agrees to the price hike.
Mixed Response in Belagavi
While the situation remained tense in Vijayapura, the impact of the bandh in Belagavi city was relatively limited. Daily life continued for many, with schools, colleges, and their respective transport systems functioning normally. Regular traffic and auto-rickshaws were seen plying the roads, and most shops in the City Market and near the bus stand remained open.
However, there were some disruptions at the Central Bus Stand, where protesters blocked one of the main gates. Despite this, bus services continued to operate through an alternative gate, and long-distance buses heading toward Maharashtra and Goa, as well as CBT buses, remained operational.
Administration Steps In: Prohibitory Orders Issued
In an effort to prevent total chaos and maintain law and order, the Dharwad district administration took preemptive action. Deputy Commissioner Snehal R imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
These restrictions apply to four major National Highways and the surrounding five-kilometre radius, specifically covering:
- Pune-Bengaluru National Highway
- Hubballi-Ankola National Highway
- Navalgund-Solapur National Highway
- Hubballi-Ballari National Highway
The orders, which came into immediate effect following reports from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman and the district Superintendent of Police, aim to ensure that emergency services are not hindered and that public peace is preserved during the anticipated highway blockades.