KALSA PROJECT ISSUE
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Farmers' organisations to
hold mega rally on Dec 6
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BELAGAVI
The protesters, on the occasion of 100th day of indefinite strike launched by various organisations in the premises of Belagavi Deputy Commissioner's office and other parts of Karnataka demanding implementation of Kalsa project, have announced a mega rally on December 6.
The rally is intended at exerting pressure on the state government for immediate implementation of the water diversion project. Several farmers’ organizations from the state including Rajya Raitha Sangha will take part in the rally.
The protesters avowed to continue with their agitation in all areas of north-Karnataka until the Centre and state government resume work on Kalsa-Bhandura project at Kankumbi to ensure flow of water into Malaprabha.
Over 5000 farmers headed by Kodihalli Chandrashekhar, president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangh, have decided to join the rally, according to Sangh office bearers.
Most of the protesters are upset with the government authorities for ignoring the state-wide protests launched by farmers demanding implementation of the project.
According to farmers' leader B M Malali, an important meeting of farmers leaders has been planned at Basava Vana, Haveri, on December 3. The meeting will decide on the nature of protests to be launched followed by a rally at Belagavi DC office premises on December 6.
Leaders from various organisations besides hundreds of political leaders have extended support to the agitations launched in Belagavi and Bailhongal in the last few weeks. Most noted Kannada film actors too have joined the indefinite agitations in north-Karnataka, urging the government to take timely measures for project's implementation.
Meanwhile, addressing protesters at Bailhongal on Friday as the agitation there entered 82nd day, farmers leader Basangouda Patil warned the government not to test farmers' patience. “The government has totally neglected the serious agitation launched in Bailhongal,” he said and added that the agitation in Bailhongal too will continue until the goal is reached.
