Karnataka Farmers stage protest on Independence day, seek complete loan waiver

Farmers staging a silent protest demanding loan waiver without any riders, in Mysuru on Wednesday.(PC-M.A. Sriram )

Farmers belonging to the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and the Hasiru Sene staged a silent protest here on Wednesday asking for complete loan waiver without any riders.

They tied black scarves around their mouth and distributed pamphlets to the public to highlight their demands.

Pre-poll promise by Karnataka CM

The farmers wanted Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to keep his pre-election promise of total loan waiver without any riders and not set any limits.

Farmers staging a silent protest demanding loan waiver in Shimoga district.

The farmers said that apart from crop loans, the government should also waive agriculture development loans. Reminding the Chief Minister of his pre-election promise, the farmers said loans taken to purchase bullocks and bull carts, to women’s self-help groups too should be brought under the purview of waiver.
The KRRS and Hasiru Sene said they would continue with their protest and intensify it in case the Chief Minister failed to meet their demands.
The two organisations also sought a special package for revival of the agricultural sector and rejuvenation of the rural economy.They also urged the India  government to stop import of milk, and arecanut.
This report originally appeared in The Hindu.