Date:15/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/15/stories/2008091554020500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Drop cases against farmers’

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Ryotu Sangham has demanded unconditional withdrawal of eight cases registered against 180 farmers of several villages in Salur, Chippagiri, and Halaharvi mandals of Kurnool district following their agitation demanding fertilizers.

K. Ramakrishna, president, and R. Venkaiah, general secretary, in a statement issued here on Sunday criticised the administration for arresting farmers’ leaders who have been agitating against inadequate supply of fertilizers.

The leaders faulted the government for maintaining, contrary to the prevailing situation, that fertilizers were available.