Farmers Movement Archive

Ryots hit Bengaluru streets, call land bill pro-rich

BENGALURU: Farmers from different districts staged a ‘barkolu’ (whipping stick) demonstration in the city on Wednesday, protesting the passing of Karnataka Land Reforms (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2020 by the legislative council. The farmers’ groups alleged that the bill would allow acquisition of agricultural land by non-agriculturists, especially the real estate lobby. They displayed ‘barkolus’ (whipping sticks used to herd cattle) to convey that the politicians were not acting in the interest of the farming community and that they need to be taught a lesson. Hundreds of farmers gathered at Maurya Circle, Town Hall, Freedom Park and other parts of the city and chanted slogans against the BJP and JD(S), which extended support to the bill in the council on Tuesday. The farmers said the government’s decision to repeal Sections 79(A), 79(B) and 79(C) would remove the income limit for purchasing land, a move that would allow the rich and powerful to take over land owned by small and marginal farmers. Traffic in the central business district was thrown out of gear for several hours as all major junctions were blocked by the protesting crowds. In fact, many ryots were stopped at the toll gates and other entry points to prevent them from entering the city. Though no untoward incident was reported, there were verbal clashes between the protesters and police at several places. The farmers and activists who arrived by trains were initially stopped by police. Commotion prevailed after a police officer at KSR Bengaluru City railway station insisted farmers remove their green towels and dump the whips they were carrying. The farmers refused to oblige and they were later allowed to go ahead. Some farmers, who were heading to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha, were detained near Freedom Park. Aikya Horata, a coalition of farmer, labour and Dalit groups, started an indefinite sit-in protest. Freedom fighter HS Doreswamy joined the protesters, where farm bills were burnt. The agitation will continue on Thursday and employees of KSRTC, BMTC, North East, North West transport corporations will join the cause.

The Times of India

2020-12-10

Bengaluru