A group of over 100 farmers were arrested after they attempted to stage a rail roko here on Tuesday. Some political parties extended their support to the protest.
The farmers had resorted to the agitation, called by the Joint Movement of Farmers’ Associations, condemning the State and Central governments for their “failure” to protect the livelihood of farmers. The stir was organised in support of other demands including steps to check suicide of farmers, stoppage of distraint proceedings against farmers by banks and cooperative societies and preventing Karnataka from constructing a dam along the Cauvery at Mekedatu.
The farmers led by its State presidium chairman P. Ayyakannu took out a march from Junction roundabout towards the railway junction when they were prevented by the police who arrested them.
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A few Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam functionaries, who joined the agitation to extend support to the protesting farmers, were also arrested. Those arrested were later released.