Belagavi: Tensions flared on the fifth day of an indefinite strike by sugarcane farmers at Gurlapur Cross in Mudalagi taluk on Monday, when a farmer allegedly ingested poison in frustration over the government's failure to address their demands.
The incident occurred while Belagavi MP and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar was addressing the protesters at the site. The farmer, identified as Lakkappa Gunadar, 30, from Alakanur village in Raibag taluk, reportedly took the drastic step due to the government's refusal to meet their demand of Rs 3,500 per tonne of sugarcane. Gunadar was rushed to a private hospital in Harugeri, where he is now said to be out of danger. A case has been filed at Mudalagi police station.
Earlier on Sunday evening, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled visited the protest site, urging farmers to end the strike. The DC conveyed an offer from sugar mill management to raise the price to Rs 3,200 per tonne and assured that other issues would be addressed. However, the farmers rejected the proposal, holding firm to their demand for Rs 3,500 per tonne.
The five-day protest has caused significant disruptions to traffic in the region and is now spreading to nearby districts, including Vijayapura and Bagalkot, where many sugarcane farmers have shown their support. As the situation escalates, BJP state president BY Vijayendra is set to visit Gurlapur Cross on Tuesday to stand in solidarity with the protesting farmers. Several political leaders and organizations, including MP Jagadish Shettar, Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi, MLAs Abhay Patil and Mahendra Tammannavar, as well as local religious leaders and student groups, have already expressed their backing for the protest. In the meantime, the district administration continues to hold extended discussions with sugar factory representatives in an effort to reach an agreement on the final sugarcane procurement price.
