Farmers in Karnataka protest "anti-farmer" policies

Farmers in Karnataka staged demonstrations across state on Friday as part of a 'bandh' call given to protest 'anti-farmer' policies of central and state governments.

A large number of ryots from various parts of state flocked to state capital to take part in demonstrations to register ir protest against amendments to Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act and Karnataka Land Reforms Act.

Amendment to APMC Act would allow farmers to sell ir produce directly to any purchaser outside APMC or in or APMCs.

protesters called se amendments 'anti-farmer' and alleged that some people in power brought m to convert ir black money into white.

A group of farmers blocked busy Tumakuru ro near Yashwantpur in city.

As police reached spot to clear blocke, farmers courted arrest and were taken away in buses.

Demonstrations were also held in or places, including Mysuru and Davangere.

A large number of police personnel were deployed at many places to avert any chock-a-block.

Peasant leer Kuruburu Shanthakumar, who is among those leing agitation, said all highways to Bengaluru will be blocked.

He said more than 34 organisations have come toger and y will stage agitations across city.

Shanthakumar alleged that government did not take farmers into confidence while bringing amendments to law pertaining to agriculture sector.