Karnataka - Bijapur   

Survey for Indi scheme from today; farmers to continue stir till July 10

Staff Correspondent

Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu announces decision at Thamba

BIJAPUR: The farmers' agitation in support of the demand for the implementation of Indi Lift Irrigation Scheme on Friday saw a partial success with the Government ordering a field survey. However, the measure did not satisfy the farmers who have been agitating under the banner of Indi Etha Neeravari Horata Samiti at Thamba village in Indi taluk for the last 25 days. They decided to continue their relay hunger strike till July 10, the date fixed by the Government to sort out the issue.

After farmers refused to take part in the meeting to be held in Bangalore on Friday, the Government asked Mr. Subramanya Naidu, who is the district in-charge Minister, to hold a meeting with the agitators at Thamba.

Mr. Subramanya Naidu, who arrived by helicopter with Bijapur MLA Appasaheb Pattanashetti and Ballolli MLA R.K. Rathod, drove to Thamba, 55 km from here. Bijapur MP Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mohsin also joined him.

At Thamba, Mr. Subramanya Naidu announced that the Government had decided to carry out a field survey for the project from Saturday.

Thanking the Minister for calling on them at the agitation venue, president of the samiti Mallaiah Sarangamath, however, said the survey was not enough. The agitators were in no mood to end their stir till the Government took concrete steps to start work. Till then they wanted to keep alive the agitation and continue relay hunger strike.

This upset Mr. Subramanya Naidu who said they could not expect a solution from the Government if they did not trust it.

However, Mr. Pattanashetti and Mr. Rathod requested the Minister to announce the date of the next meeting. Mr. Yatnal said the farmers could continue their strike peacefully till further action from the Government.

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Survey for Indi scheme from today; farmers to continue stir till July 10

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