Protesting farmers march into sea, seek relief

In a novel protest, a group of farmers today entered the sea here pressing their charter of demands including "drought" relief, and ensuring payment of cane support price of Rs.2,650 per tonne from sugar mills fixed by the State.
Around 90 farmers, who marched into the sea raising slogans from the Marina beach, were stopped by the police and taken into custody and released later, police said.
Stating that the State has been witnessing "drought situation" for the past three years, the farmers said ryots should be paid appropriate relief.
"Till such time relief is granted, the State should waive loans that we have taken from cooperative societies," State President of Tiruchirappalli-based Desiya Thenninidia Nathigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam P Ayyakkannu told PTI.

"Though the State has fixed Rs.2650 as support price for cane, the sugar mills are only paying Rs.2350, is this fair,?" he asked.
He also highlighted the need for nationalisation of all rivers.
"We urged the State to adopt a resolution in the Assembly seeking the Centre to nationalise rivers but that has not been done and we protested on this issue as well," he said.