Farmers protest in Odisha, observe 2-hr symbolic shutdown

Farmers in Odisha as part of the nation-wide stir staged protests across Odisha today to protest against the killing of peasants in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and to press for farm loan waiver.
Various farmers' outfits under the banner of Navanirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) observed a two-hour symbolic shutdown across the state.
Besides protesting killing of farmers in police firing Madhya Pradesh, the farmers demanded implementation of the recommendations of Swaminathan committee, social security allowance to all farmers, farm loan waiver and recognition of share croppers, NKS leaders said.
In Bhubaneswar, NKS activists staged road blockades in different areas like Chandrasekharpur, Jaydev Vihar and Master Canteen square, burnt tyres and led a 'rail roko' at the railway station.

Several protesters, including NKS advisor and Aama Odisha Party leader Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, were picked up from Master Canteen area by the police as a preventive measure.
Patnaik said today's stir was held in solidarity with farmers across the country and the agitation would be intensified if the demands are not met.

In western Odisha, farmers under the banner of Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS) staged road blockades in various districts of the region.
The farmers staged road blockade at Choudhury chowk on the national highway in Sambalpur.
A report from Nabarangpur said farmers blocked NH 26 here and staged a dharna on the highway in front of Bhandargharani Temple for two hours disrupting traffic for some time.

Similar reports of farmers' stir were also received from Puri, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Balangir, Rayagada and Keonjhar.