Tension erupts in Bargarh as farmers clash with police over paddy registration

Tension gripped Bargarh district on Monday after a confrontation broke out between farmers and police during a protest over paddy registration.

The agitation began when a large group of farmers, angered by being excluded from the registration list, gathered outside the District Collector’s office, demanding that the administration include their names before proceeding with any further meetings on paddy procurement.

According to reports, a meeting was scheduled today between farmers, millers, and district officials to discuss the upcoming paddy procurement process. However, the meeting was cancelled due to the Model Code of Conduct being in effect for the Nuapada by-election, as the district is currently under the silent period.

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The cancellation fuelled further outrage among farmers, who accused the administration of neglecting their grievances.

As hundreds of protesters tried to enter the Collector’s office premises, police intervened, leading to a scuffle and chaotic scenes at the spot. Several farmers were seen shouting slogans against the administration, alleging that the registration process was unfair and non-transparent.

Farmer leaders warned that if their demands are not met, particularly the inclusion of the excluded farmers in the registration list, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days.

The district administration has assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue peacefully. Meanwhile, police have been deployed in large numbers to prevent any further untoward incidents.