SP Holds Meeting With Tobacco Farmers Ahead of Protest
Prakasam SP V. Harshavardhan Raju urged tobacco farmers to hold a peaceful protest without blocking highways or disrupting public movement.
Ahead of the proposed tobacco farmers' protest on Wednesday, Prakasam SP V. Harshavardhan Raju on Tuesday held a meeting with leaders of various farmers' associations at the District Police Camp Office in Ongole.
The SP said farmers have the democratic right to stage peaceful protests but made it clear that the police would not allow the blockade of the National Highway or any activity that disrupts traffic or disturbs law and order. He assured the leaders that the police would facilitate the submission of their grievances to the State and Central governments.
He urged the farmers to cooperate with the police, follow the prescribed guidelines, remain vigilant against anti-social elements and avoid causing inconvenience to the public. He also reminded them that Section 30 of the Police Act is in force and appealed for a peaceful demonstration.
The farmers' leaders assured the police that the protest would be peaceful and conducted in accordance with the guidelines. Ongole DSP R. Srinivasa Rao, Darsi DSP P. Balamuralikrishna and other officials attended the meeting.