Date:07/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/07/stories/2008100754330400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Kadapa

Farmer dies on NH

Special Correspondent

KADAPA: A farmer Koka Subbarayudu died of heart attack while participating in a farmers’ dharna on the national highway at Duvvur on Monday. Large number of farmers commenced a dharna on the NH early morning leaving vehicles stranded up to 5 kms. on either side. Their dharna continued in the scorching heat and Subbarayudu complained of chest pain around 10 a.m. A couple of farmers also collapsed .

Protesting farmers took Subbarayudu to a hospital where he was declared dead. They then returned, placed the body on the highway and continued their protest, demanding ex gratia for the deceased farmer. They condemned reportedly haphazard distribution of fertilizers. Farmers who raised paddy crop in the KC Canal ayacut were facing shortage of fertilizer, they alleged. They called off the protest after officials agreed to ex gratia for the deceased ryot.