SSS launches milk collection bandh agitation

Kolhapur, June 27 (UNI) Swabhimani Shetakari Sanghatana (SSS) launched their milk collection bandh (stoppage) agitation here today, demanding a hike in milk prices for the supplying farmers.

The agitation, led by SSS founder and Shirol MLA Raju Shetty, got underway from early this morning in the districts of Western Maharashtra, resulting in stoppage of milk collection. The agitators are demanding hike of Rs 18 from Rs 12 per litre.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Shetty said the agitation will continue till their demands are fulfilled, as they would not allow milk-carrying tankers to reach Mumbai, which is the largest buyer of milk from the cooperatives here.

The SSS had last month launched the agitation over the same demand and given one month's time to the state government. However, the government failed to act on the farmers' demand, he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh (KZSDUS), the makers of Gokul, has decided to stop milk collection to avoid any untoward incident, KZSDUS spokesman said.

UNI