Farmer attempts self-immolation over paddy procurement delay in Nizamabad

Tension prevailed in Nizamabad after a farmer attempted self-immolation over delays in paddy procurement. Police intervened in time, while farmers staged road protests demanding immediate action, alleging official apathy and disruption in procurement operations in the region.

Nizambad: Tension prevailed at Yellareddypalli, Indalvai mandal here on Friday, after a farmer tried to self immolate over the delay in procurement of paddy stocks by agriculture officials.

The farmer is identified as Yellareddypalli village Sarpanch’s husband Matamla Shekhar. He carried diesel along with him to the procurement centre and tried to douse himself. After learning about the incident, the Police rushed the spot and convinced the farmer not to take any extreme steps, according to reports.

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Farmers charged that they have been appealing the farmers to commence procurement. But, for reasons better known to the officials, the procurement has been delayed for last many days, they charged.

Protesting against the officials apathy, the farmers squatted on the road. They raised “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” slogans and demanded the officials to commence the procurement.

Even as the police tried to convince the farmers, citing traffic issues, they did not relent. They even conducted Vanta Varpu (cooking) programme on the road and continued their sloganeering against the Congress government.