Date:12/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/12/stories/2008081258420300.htm

Karnataka - Hassan

Total bandh observed

Staff Correspondent

HASSAN: The response to the Hassan bandh call given by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha on Monday was total.

The sangha had called for the bandh in order to step up efforts to ensure that farmers were paid compensation for the lost potato crop. Farmers have been demanding compensation of Rs. 25,000 an acre.

All shops, business establishments, schools, colleges, hotels, banks, post offices and petroleum outlets were closed.

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Buses were also off the road for some time, but the services resumed once the procession was over.

The worst affected were vegetable and fruit vendors as they had no opportunity to do business.

Many farmers took out a procession that started from the Hemavathy statue and proceeded through AVK College Road, Racecourse Road, zilla panchayat office, Narasimha Raja Circle, APMC, Santhepete and Vallabhbhai Road.

However, sporadic incidents of violence were witnessed. Five autorickshaws and two lorries were stoned.