Hallikar bull owners resort to road blockade in Mysuru

Farmers who brought Hallikar bulls to Mysuru, to participate in Dasara programmes resorted to a road blockade near Kukkarahalli Lake in Mysuru on Saturday, alleging negligence by the organisers.

The farmers arrived with the Hallikar bulls to the intersection of Kantharaj Urs Road and Bogadi Road near Kukkarahalli and blocked the road, disrupting movement of traffic on Saturday.

The farmers alleged that the Sub-Committee for Raitha Dasara failed to provide clean drinking water and adequate fodder for the Hallikar bulls brought for the event.

Expressing strong resentment over the failure of the authorities to even provide them with breakfast, the farmers accused the organisers of negligence and poor arrangements.

Speaking on the occasion, farmers’ leader Ingalaguppe Krishnegowda said the farmers had been invited to exhibit their Hallikar bulls at Raitha Dasara, organised as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. However, the organisers had failed to provide even basic facilities for the cattle.

“Farmers raise these bulls with the same care and affection they show their children. Yet, the organisers have failed to provide them with clean drinking water. Adequate fodder has also not been provided. Farmers who arrived with their cattle on Friday night have not been served breakfast till now,” he alleged.

He accused the government, district administration and Dasara committee of spending crores of rupees on Kambala, a traditional buffalo race organised primarily as an entertainment event, while neglecting the farmers who feed the nation.

“While priority is being given to entertainment programmes, no basic facilities have been provided to the farmers who feed the world. The farmers rear Hallikar bulls like their own children, yet the committee has failed to provide them with good drinking water,” he said.

The situation remained tense as the farmers raised slogans against the administration. Senior police officials rushed to the spot to convince the farmers to call off their protest.