Thousands of farmers under the banner of the Navanirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) on Sunday began a march towards Bhubaneswar for holding a mass convention on Monday demanding price, prestige and pension for farmers.
However, police stopped them midway at Tamando and Hanspal on National Highway-16. Police said the farmers’ rally would cause traffic jams and create a law and order situation in the State capital.
Nearly 25 platoons of police force were deployed and Section 144 of the CrPC was clamped on the NH to prevent the farmers from reaching the city
However, NKSS convenor Akshaya Kumar said, “We will hold a peaceful protest for fulfilment of our longstanding demands. We are waiting for the Government’s decision. But we will start our Padayatra from 11 am tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Congress and BJP leaders joined the agitating farmers expressing solidarity with their demands.
BJP State vice-president Samir Mohanty, who along with some leaders of his party met the farmers, said the State Government has failed to address the grievances of farmers. We support the farmers’ agitation. Already, PM Narendra Modi has taken a lot of measures to double the farmers’ income in the country.”
In reaction, BJD spokesperson Samir Ranjan Dash said farmers across the country are facing problems.
“Six months back, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to submit an affidavit on what can be done to improve the conditiona of farmers as part of a uniform policy in the country. But the Centre is dillydallying the matter and our party will definitely cooperate in whatever decision is taken on farmers’ issue,” said Dash.