JP launches march for farmers

In protest against the government's restrictions on sale of farm produce outside the State, Lok Satta president Dr Jayaprakash Narayan on Saturday started two days Satyagraha march from Yemmiganur in Kurnool district to Gilkasugur in Raichur district of Karnataka.

Talking to media persons, Jayaprakash Narayan slammed the government for imposing unnecessary restrictions on sale of paddy outside the State. Stating the farmers were forced to sell their produce due to government's failure to announce remunerative prices, he said at least now the government should take proper measures to facilitate farmers in selling their produce at their own place.

Expressing solidarity to march, Congress leader Rudra Goud said that he was ready to go for jail if the government fails to lift restrictions on farm produce.

Before launching march, Jayaprakash Narayan performed pooja at Neelakanteswara Swamy Temple and paid floral tributes to constitutional architect Dr B R Ambedkar.

The march will cover 36 kms distance touching Dharmapuram, Halaharvi, Chilakadona and Kalludevakunta villages and arrive at Mantralayama tonight. He will resume the march from Mantralayam on Sunday and pass through Chetnepalli, Madhavaram, Tungabhadra villages and reach Gilkasugur Camp. Jayaprakash will address farmers at Madhavaram and Gilkasugur Camp.