Farmers in Karnataka’s Belagavi, on Sunday were detained after they staged a protest outside the MR Nirani Sugar Factory, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting for a function. The farmers, who were protesting against the three controversial farm-related legislations, raised slogans against Amit Shah and demanded that the new laws be rolled back.
A group of farmers began protesting outside Channamma Circle in Belagavi in the early hours of Sunday, shouting slogans such ‘The anti-farmer legislation must be withdrawn.’ The protest continued as farmers began gathering outside the factory and sat down to shout slogans. At around 12.45 pm, when Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Belagavi and were to reach MLA Murugesh Nirani’s factory, the security personnel who were deployed for the protest detained the farmers.
Several farmers refused to get up and were dragged away by the police personnel. Amit Shah is visiting the factory and also the family members of deceased Belagavi Parliamentarian Suresh Anagadi later on Sunday. Belagavi police said that the protesters had to be dispersed as the convoys of Yediyurappa and Amit Shah had to pass after the ceremony.
Watch: Farmers protesting during Amit Shah's visit in Belagavi detained by police
Farmers in Karnataka and those across the country have been protesting against the three controversial legislations since last year. The three legislations include The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020.