Mysuru: In response to a nationwide ‘highway bandh’ called by Rashtriya Kisan Mahasabha, a body representing over 174 farmer associations across the country, hundreds of farmers under the banner of Karnataka Sugar Cane Growers Association, staged highways blockade across the district this morning.

The farmers are demanding total farm loan waiver, implementation of the recommendations of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Committee on farm prices, appropriate compensation for crop loss due to natural calamities, fixation of SAP (State Advisory Price) for sugarcane, stoppage of flow of water to Tamil Nadu and release of water to all canals of Cauvery basin and immediate redressal of all other farmer issues.

Over a hundred farmers under the leadership of Sugarcane Growers Association President Kurubur Shanthakumar, who had brought cattle, staged road blockade at Varuna Circle on Mysuru-T. Narasipur Road.

The blockade, which lasted over an hour, ended when the Police took over 30 farmers into their custody. Traffic on the busy highway came to a grinding halt, with hundreds of vehicles lined up on both directions of the road.

Association office-bearers Varakodu Krishnegowda, Nagaraj, Parashivamurthy and others took part in the agitation.

However, the District witnessed the biggest demonstration at Handpost near H.D. Kote on Mysuru-Manandavadi Road, with hundreds of farmers and members of the public joining the protest. Shops and other commercial establishments around the Handpost shut down voluntarily for a couple of hours in support of the demonstration.

The Police, who failed to convince the farmers on ending the blockade, later dispersed the crowd to make away for vehicular movement. Police also took over 30 farmer leaders into custody. The demonstration was led by Attahalli Devaraj and others.

In another protest, farmers blocked vehicular movement on the new bridge at T. Narasipur town and as a result, vehicular traffic came to a standstill for over half-an-hour.

The Police took over 50 farmer leaders into custody. Kirangasur Shankar led the protest.

At Bannur: Farmers blocked the Mysuru-Malavalli Road passing through the town for over half-an-hour.  About 20 farmers were taken into custody by the Police.

At Nanjangud

Over 100 farmers blocked the Mysuru-Ooty Road passing through the town, in front of Nanjangud Taluk Office.

Traffic was thrown out of gear for a few minutes, before the Police intervened and dispersed the farmers. Farmer leaders Hadya Ravi, Madappa and others led the protest.

Even as the farmers staged highway blockade, the State Government has reportedly agreed to release water to canals  for drinking and livestock.