Farmers to launch Jail Bharo if KIADB continues acquisition for SEZ

Mysore, Apr 28 (UNI) Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) President K S Puttannaiah today threatened to launch 'Jail Bharo' agitation if the Karnataka Industrial Development Board (KIADB) did not stop its land acquisition spree for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Addressing a press conference here, he said that newly formed Bhoomithayi Horata Samithi has set May 15 as deadline to hold talks with farmers who have been fighting for justice in Mysore,Nanjangud, Srirangapatna and other places. If KIADB fails to stop its action of acquisition by the deadline set, thousands of farmers would resort to 'Jail Bharo'.

The KIADB has issued notification to acquire about 7,000 acres in the taluks of Mysore and other places for SEZs.

Referring to the sugar cane growers problem, he said crushing of sugar cane has stopped and the government has not come to the rescue of the farmers. A Maharashtra type of package deal for sugar cane growers should be introduced otherwise serial suicide by growers may commence, he added.

Mr Puttannaiah welcoming Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's reiteration for solving Cauvery water sharing issue through dialogue, said that it was also necessary that the Union Government should create a platform for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Chief Ministers to hold dialogue. Both the State Governments should also invite farmers of their respective states for the talks. It would be possible to settle Cauvery disputes to sharing the 740 tmcft of water in the river Cauvery, he added.

UNI