group of farmers led by P. Ayyakannu, State president, Desiya Thennindhiya Nadhigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, on Tuesday began a 46-day relay fast at his residence demanding withdrawal of three farm laws enacted by the Centre and in support of other demands.
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Mr. Ayyakannu, along with a group of farmers owing allegiance to the Sangam, initially planned to observe the fast outside. But they were not given permission by the police. Consequently, they began the relay fast inside his house at Annamalai Nagar area here.
Mr. Ayyakannu said the relay fast would continue demanding profitable rates for agriculture produce raised by farmers as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also sought death sentence for those who were behind the killings of farmers at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.
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The victims were mowed down to death by a vehicle that was reportedly part of the convoy of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra.
Mr. Ayyakannu also demanded that the direct purchase centres in delta region and other places procure 4,000 to 5,000 paddy bags, as the produce stocked in open places was getting affected by sudden downpour.
Police sources said permission was not granted to Mr. Ayyakannu to observe the hunger strike outside.