Mysuru: Upset over the Government not acceding to their request for release of water to irrigation canals attached to four major dams in the Cauvery basin, farmers under the banner of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Hasiru Sene, laid siege to the Cauvery Command Area Development Authority (CADA) office on Sayyaji Rao Road here yesterday.

Even as the farmers laid siege, the Police used force and arrested him. However, the apprehended farmers were later released.

Accusing the Government of releasing water to Tamil Nadu from KRS and Kabini dams for the past seven weeks, the protesting farmers pointed out that villages in Karnataka’s Cauvery basin were struggling to get sufficient drinking water, but the Government appeared intent on releasing water to Tamil Nadu, which is grave injustice to farmers of Karnataka.

The agitators prepared food at the protest site and waited till 4 pm for the Irrigation authorities to address their concerns. When the authorities concerned did not turn up, the farmers got frustrated and planned a rally to K.R. Circle where they threatened to block vehicular movement.

The farmers, refusing to listen to the Police, went ahead with the rally. The Cops, who tried to stop the farmers, were reportedly pushed away and the protesters entered New Sayyaji Rao Road.

The Cops met the farmer leaders near MCC and warned them of action. When the farmers refused to withdraw their agitation, the Police summoned a van and bundled farmers into it. However, the farmers were released later in the night. As the agitating farmers continued their protest even after arrest, DC D. Randeep visited the CAR Ground, where the farmers were kept and held talks with the farmer leaders. Following an assurance from the DC on meeting their demand, the farmers withdrew the protest, according to KRRS leader Hosur Kumar.