Hukkeri bandh halts life as farmers intensify irrigation stir

Belagavi: Farmers’ agitation demanding comprehensive irrigation projects in Hukkeri taluk intensified on Friday, bringing normal life to a standstill. Protesters blocked roads, severely disrupting traffic in the region. The agitation drew widespread public backing, with shops and commercial establishments remaining closed in Hukkeri town and the surrounding areas. Alleging inaction by the govt, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has officially called for a ‘Hukkeri bandh’, further intensifying the movement.The protest by farmers demanding immediate implementation of lift irrigation projects pending for several years in Hukkeri taluk continued for the second night and entered the third day. Hundreds of farmers, led by leaders Chunappa Pujeri and Shashikant Guruji, are camping at Court Circle, the main centre of Hukkeri town, and are staging a round-the-clock protest.The large-scale protest took a serious turn on Friday with the Hukkeri bandh. Citizens responded to the call and shut shops and eateries in the town in support. The farmers’ anger also hit transport connectivity, with protesters completely blocking the Gokak-Sankeshwar state highway and staging a massive demonstration.Due to the road blockade, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway until Friday afternoon. Vehicular movement and public transport were severely affected. Farmers staging a dharna in the middle of the road voiced their anger by raising slogans against the govt.Need strong actionSpeaking to the media, KRRS president Chunappa Pujeri said no major irrigation projects have been implemented in Hukkeri taluk for the past 60 years. Only if minister Satish Jarkiholi, an influential leader, takes personal interest is comprehensive irrigation in Hukkeri taluk possible. He strongly urged prompt action to fulfil the long-pending demands of farmers.Outrage over negligenceProtesting farmers said that despite sitting on the road day and night for the past two days, no govt official or public representative has visited the spot to hear their demands. They warned that the agitation will continue, condemning the govt’s indifferent attitude.They said they would not be swayed by mere verbal assurances. The farmers maintained that the protest will be withdrawn only if the govt issues an official order to immediately begin the pending irrigation works, failing which the agitation could intensify further.Panchama Shivalingeshwara Swamiji of Nidasoshi mutt, Shivabasava Swamiji of Viraktamath, KRRS honorary president Shashikant Guruji, farmer leaders Satyappa, AK Patil, Uday Hukkeri, and hundreds of farmers participated in the protest and extended their support.