Farmers withdraw highway blockades in Haveri, Dharwad districts

Seer of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt Fakira Dingaleshwara Swami came out strongly in support of agitating farmers at a press conference in Hubballi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE

The blockades on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway by sugarcane growers demanding remunerative price for sugarcane continued for the second day in Haveri and Dharwad districts on Wednesday, resulting in transport vehicles lining up for kilometres together on the national highway.

However, late in the evening, after marathon talks by officials, the farmers relented and agreed to clear the road blocks.

While the farmers blocked the national highway at Bankapur Toll in Haveri district, large number of farmers continued the blockade at Yarikoppa Cross near Dharwad for the second day.

As the protest continued for the second, transport vehicles and public transport buses were the most hit, while light motor vehicles were diverted through circuitous alternative routes.