Farmers in Phase II pledge to protest

Bikaner, Nov 3 (UNI): Farmers of Phase II areas in the Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGCP) have pledged to protest if the talks between farmers and state government officials in any way affect their share of irrigation water.

The farmers under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in Charanwala and Barsalpur have started a contact programme to gather momentum for their agitation.

Sangh's regional minister Mahavir Purohit said if the state government agrees to the illegal demands of farmers of Phase I, then farmers of Phase II will be forced to begin their agitation.

Former irrigation minister and Kolayat legislator Devi Singh Bhati said farmers in Bikaner and Jaisalmer will fight for their rights if any decision was taken by the state government affecting their supply of irrigation water from the IGCP.

Keeping this in view, farmer leaders and representatives in Phase II areas of IGCP will hold a meeting on Nov 4 in Bikaner.

UNI XC RRT SSC ND1750