Farmers unrest in Chhattisgarh

Dhamtari, Jan 6 (UNI) Farmers have launched an agitation here after being driven to desperation due to non-availability of water for irrigating rabi crops.

Farmers of more than 20 villages of Magarlod block had come out on streets and staged a road blockade here yesterday, raising slogans against Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar, who is the local legislator.

Janpad member Rakhi Sahu told UNI the farmers got sufficient water for irrigation purpose in 2001 but now the officials were not taking any interest to protect the interests of farmers.

The agitating farmers alleged that local BJP legislator Ajay Chandrakar was favouring the officials and overlooking their interests. They have also threatened to intensify their agitation if the state government does not intervene in the matter.

UNI