Remaining arrested farmers will be released soon: Rajasthan Minister

Jaipur : Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria on Friday told the Assembly that the protesting farmers still under arrest will be released soon.

"To maintain law and order in the city, around 332 persons were taken in custody. Of these 165 have since been released on bail while remaining 167 will be released soon, he said.

These farmers were arrested while marching to gherao the Assembly here following High Court directions that banned any procession/rally or protest during working days in the state capital, he said.

Kataria said the farmers were politely asked to end their protest since it flouted the High Court orders but they continued their march towards Jaipur. 

Meanwhile, farmers continued with their dharnas at different places and jammed Ramu ka Baas crossroad, Jaipur-Bikaner National Highway-52, following which the authorities arranged alternate routes for those wishing to travel from Jaipur to Sikar and vice versa.

Cooperative Minister Ajay Singh Kilak assured that the loan waiver scheme announced by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia in the state Budget will benefit those farmers who have been repaying their loan dues on time.

"The government is very sensitive towards farmers. A high-level inter-departmental committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Kataria to look into issues related to farm loans and will work to redress the same. The first meeting of this committee is scheduled for February 28," he said.