The fast-unto-death agitation being staged here by Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) national convenor Akshay Kumar against slashing of assistance under the KALIA scheme entered 12th day on Monday.
Congress Kissan cell president Amiya Patnaik, Nisha Mukti Andolon leader Malay Tripathy, Khageshwar Bal, Congress Seva Dal chairman Manoj Jena, Odisha Sarvodaya Mandal secretary Umamant Mandal, Jharkhand’s Vinod Rai, Indumati Deva and educationist Nirakar Beura met Kumar at the dharna site and discussed with him.
The leaders alleged that the State Government has always ignored the nonviolent demonstrations. “The Government has always asked agitators to desist violence but is not holding discussions with agitators taking nonviolence path,” they said.
NKS activists staged protests in Puri, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada and Keonjhar districts to show solidarity with Kumar.
Among othes, NKS Jajpur district president Durga Das and State co-convenors Umakant Rout and Snehanshu Jena were present at the dharna here.