Farmer calls for election boycott over gun deposit order

PTI, Apr 22, 2024, 9:22 AM IST

A farmer from Bantwala taluk has urged fellow farmers to boycott the upcoming elections in protest against an order issued by the district collector. The directive requires farmers to keep their licensed gun at the nearest police station during the election period.

KA Satishchandra Hosmane, the former president of Bantwala Taluk Panchayath, issued a warning on behalf of Gun users, urging residents of Badagakajekaru and Tenkakajekaru villages in Bantwala taluk to refrain from voting in the elections.

The farmer raised concerns over the inconvenience caused by the order, citing issues such as animal menace and agricultural losses.

The order has already prompted many farmers in Bantwala taluk to deposit their licensed guns at the Punjalakatte police station as per the collector’s instructions. However, it remains unclear whether farmers in Bantwala who possess licensed gun have sought exemption through legal channels, such as approaching the Steining Committee or the High Court.

While the Steining Committee and the High Court have granted exemption to approximately 197 farmers in Sulya and Kadaba who applied for relief, the situation for farmers in Bantwala taluk remains uncertain.

As a result, gun owners with licenses in Bantwala are considering boycotting the elections in protest against the mandatory gun deposit order.