Farmers and seers of Belur taluk began an indefinite hunger protest demanding an irrigation project for Halebid, Madihalli, and Javagal hoblis of Belur taluk on Wednesday.
Hundreds of farmers participated in the protest march and they picketed the tahsildar’s office in Belur town.
A few protesters allegedly threw stones at window panes of the office as well. Residents of Halebid and Javagal villages observed a bandh in support of the protest.
Addressing the protesters, Pushpagiri Mutt seer Somashekhar Swami said the people’s representatives of the taluk have neglected the farmers. “Though Yagachi reservoir is very close to Belur, it has not benefited people of the taluk. Influential politicians have succeeded to take water from the reservoir to far off places neglecting the drought-prone villages of the taluk. Those in power should assure a project for the people’s benefit, otherwise distribute poison among the villagers,” he said.
The protesters locked up the tahsildar’s office. They picketed the tahsildar's office later when they came to know that the officials had opened the lock and began work inside. A few protesters threw stones breaking the window panes, necessitating the intervention of senior police officers. Hassan Superintendent of Police R.K. Shahapurwad spoke to protesters and appealed to them to maintain peace. The protesters have resolved to continue their protest. The seers said they would hold regular prayers in the protest venue and continue the protest.