Farmers block national highway over diesel price hike

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) held a protest on the national highway near Badhrukhan village on Saturday against the Centre's decision to hike diesel prices.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) held a protest on the national highway near Badhrukhan village on Saturday against the Centre's decision to hike diesel prices.

The farmers also demanded drought relief of Rs 5,500 crore citing rise in input cost during the paddy season. They raised slogans against the UPA government at the Centre for taking "anti-farmer" decisions. They blocked the road for about one hour disrupting traffic.

District president of the union, Amar Singh Chhiniwal, said farmers would have to bear the brunt of the price hike as it would raise input cost in the kharif season.

Chinniwal said they would intensify their stir if the government failed to withdraw its decision.
Farmer Pritam Singh said most of the farmers had taken loans during the paddy season because of the government's apathy and not providing sufficient power.