Sugarcane farmers protest in Vijayapura over pricing dispute
Protesters gathered at a toll gate in Vijayapura district during a statewide bandh called by farmers' organisations.
Sugarcane growers held a demonstration at the Hittinahalli toll gate in Vijayapura district on Saturday. The protest occurred during a Karnataka bandh called by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene regarding sugarcane pricing.
The farmers are seeking a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their produce. Farmer leader Bhagyarasa Sannada said the agitation would continue until the demands of the growers are met, alleging that both state and central governments have failed to fulfil their aspirations.
Police intervened at the toll gate to manage the situation, leading to a verbal altercation with protesters. As the demonstration grew, passengers arriving from other towns had to walk to reach their destinations.
In Dharwad, Deputy Commissioner Snehal R imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. These orders apply to four National Highways and areas within a five-kilometre radius to maintain public peace and ensure traffic movement.
Belagavi city saw a limited response to the bandh. While buses were blocked near the Central Bus Stand main gate, services continued through another gate, and most shops in the City Market remained open.
Schools, colleges, and regular traffic continued to function in Belagavi. Buses travelling to Maharashtra and Goa also operated as usual.