Rojalin Mishra

Keonjhar: Ahead of the third phase polls in Odisha, over hundreds of farmers under the aegis of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) today staged dharna and opposed entry of polling officials to a booth in the district.

As the farmers were prevented from entering major cities during their demand for 'Price, Pension and Prestige', the farmers' forum decided not to let polling officials enter villages, said sources.

Hence, the farmers on Sunday took out a massive rally and sat on dharna  in front of Keonjhar Mining Engineering College, where the EVM distribution centre has been set up by the district administration.

"We are opposing polling parties to bring vote box to our village as our demands- pension for farmers, Rs 1500 old age pension, irrigation facilities, regular employment for our children- are yet to be fulfilled," said Sangran Majhi, a member of NNKS.

The protesters were later detained by police. More details awaited.

 

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