Samyukta Horata Karnataka protest turns tense in Kalaburagi
Protesters in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, staged a demonstration demanding the district be declared drought-hit and seeking financial relief for farmers. The protest escalated when police detained activists and an agitator attempted self-immolation, leading to further demands for loan waivers and water resource management.
Why it matters
The protest highlights the severe economic distress faced by farmers in drought-prone regions and the growing friction between rural communities and the state government.
The protest by members of Samyukta Horata Karnataka demanding that all taluks in Kalaburagi district be included in the drought-hit list turned tense in Kalaburagi city on Thursday, with the police detaining two leaders and an agitator attempting to pour petrol on himself.
The protesters blocked roads in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. When the police attempted to clear the road blockade, one of the agitators reportedly tried to pour petrol on himself. The police intervened and detained agitating activists Sharanabasappa Mamshetty and Mahesh Rathod.
The situation took a dramatic turn when some other protesters lay down in front of the police vehicle, preventing it from moving. The agitation was later shifted to the Mini Vidhana Soudha premises, where the protesters continued to raise slogans against the State government.
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