Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa called for an emergency meeting after farmer protests in Dharwad turned violent. The police first used teargas and lathicharge to dispell them but later used real bullets which hit some farmers who were seriously wounded. The farmers had stages a ‘rasta roko’ for over four hours and also tried to loot fertislisers shops in the city. The farmers were protesting the lack of seeds and fertilisers Tension is rising in the area and additional forces have been rushed as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa today (June 10) appealed to the farming community, which has been protesting over shortage of fertilisers, not to resort to violence. "I appeal to farmers to maintain peace, harmony and Law and order. I appeal them not to resort to violence as it will cause hardship to people", Yeddyurappa, whose government came under sharp attack from opposition parties and Raitha Sangha leaders, said.

The government is making all out effort to ensure enough supply of fertilisers and seeds, Yeddyurappa said after parts of Haveri district witnessed violent protests and police firing in which one farmer was killed and four injured.

Yeddyurappa alleged that some farmers have been on buying spree, triggering fertiliser shortage and added "hereafter, the government will sell fertiliser to farmers on production of documents to check hoarding". He warned that stern action will be initiated against those traders who resort to hoarding of stocks.

Probe ordered into police firing in Karnataka

Karnataka Government today (June 10) ordered an inquiry into the police firing in Karnataka's Haveri town which left a person dead and four others injured. A compensation of Rs two lakh to the family of the farmer who was killed, Rs 50,000 to those injured seriously and Rs 25,000 to those who suffered minor injuries was also announced by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa. "Belgaum Division Regional Commissioner Amita Prasad will conduct a probe into the incident and submit a report to the government within ten days," Yeddyurappa told reporters after reviewing the situation at a high level meeting.

Yeddyurappa, who was visibly upset over the shocking incident that occurred 12 days after his government assumed office, said it was a "planned conspiracy to taint the image of the government". Meanwhile, the state government deployed DGP Srikumar to Haveri to take steps to maintain law and order.

Congress reacts

Describing as an act of "terror" against farmers the police firing in Haveri town, Karnataka's main opposition Congress today (June 10) said it would launch a state-wide agitation against the BJP government in the state. "It is just a first warning to those who fight for their problems. The BJP government, which was sworn-in in the name of farmers, has fired bullets at them. My party strongly condemns this", Congress leader M Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa kept on claiming that his government was pro-farmer and now it has claimed the life of a farmer, Kharge said. Kharge rejected Yeddyurappa's charge that there was a conspiracy against his government. "Instead of discharging their duty, they are blaming others". Kharge said he will visit Haveri tomorrow.