Farmers detained for staging protest at Telangana’s Bowenpally market

At least 70 farmers from Vikarabad and Chevella were detained by the police on Wednesday for staging a protest in front of Bowenpally market yard, Secunderabad-- one of the biggest market yards in Telangana.  The farmers had given a call for ‘Chalo Bowenpally’ against the alleged injustice meted out to them by the Bowenpally Agriculture Market Committee and the Hamalis (loading and unloading workers). Farmers claimed that the Hamalis are refusing to carry bags weighing beyond 50 kgs, for which they are incurring losses. They insist that the farmers should carry 80 kg bags.  Mild tension prevailed as the farmers sat in front of the market by blocking the goods vehicles and raised slogans against the Bowenpally Agriculture Market Committee. According to Deccan Chronicle, at least 1,000 farmers had participated in the protest.    Farmers claim that despite several representations to officials, including the district collector, the issue has not been resolved. They say that if they pack their goods for 50 kg, they would have to pay additionally for transport and weight, which would result in losses. Farmers claimed that earlier in the market yard, they used to weigh bags for one quintal.  A protesting farmer said, “Initially, we were told that the changes in bag weights are temporary. The issue has been going on from February, but the chairman never addressed them.” Following the protest, the officials assured that their concerns would be addressed. However, the farmers were adamant that the assurance should be official. As the farmers continued with the protest, police had to detain 72 farmers. Meanwhile, police told the Bowenpally Agriculture Market Committee to lift 80 kg bags till the government takes a further decision on the matter, according to The Hindu. The detained farmers were released in the evening.