Odisha farmers threaten non-cooperation during elections

Bhubaneswar: Farmer outfit, Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) has threatened non-cooperation during the upcoming general elections alleging insensitivity of the BJD-led state government towards their demands of fair price, prestige and pension.

Addressing a presser in Bhubaneswar today, the national convener of NNKS, Akshay Kumar said that the farmers will lie down on the roads as a mark of protest. However, the demonstrations will be peacefully conducted, he said.

Akshay Kumar said that while there have been repeated protests demanding adequate price for farmers' produce, prestige and pension, the government has been apathetic forcing them to take such extreme steps, he added.

"Farmers in around 80 per cent of the villages in the State will protest the elections due to insensitivity of the government. We will send a memorandum to the President of India, Governor and the Election Commissioner in this regard," said Akshay Kumar.

Sources informed that awareness programmes about the agitation will be held at the village level and preparations will be finalised on March 13 and 14 at NNKS's state executive meeting.