Odisha farmers warn of non-cooperation during elections

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the general elections, the farmers under the aegis of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) have decided to take out rallies in Odisha from Apr 2 to Apr 22 demanding price, prestige and pension.

The outfit has threatened non-cooperation in a non-violent and democratic way during the upcoming general elections alleging apathy of the state and central governments towards their longstanding demands.

After meeting the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Bhubaneswar today, the national convener of NNKS, Akshay Kumar said that the farmers will launch an awareness rally across the state and the farmer outfit has threatened to oppose the polling officers in the villages. The outfit has also sought permission of the CEO for taking out mass rallies, informed sources.

“The awareness rally will begin from April 2. We have informed about the rally and will follow the due process in this regard,” Akshay Kumar.

“When the polling officers will come to the villages, the farmers will lie down on the roads to oppose them as a mark of protest.  During our protest, if we are arrested by the police, we are ready to go the jail,” he added.