Sitamarhi: Farmers of the Riga block hit the streets on Sunday, demanding the opening of the Riga Sugar Mill and clearance of the outstanding dues. The protest march, organised by Sanyukta Kisan Sangharsh Morcha and led by its chairman Paras Nath Singh, witnessed a large participation of farmers and supporters, reports The Times of India.
Former employees stated that the mill, currently under liquidation, is unable to clear these arrears. Anand Kishore, the Morcha’s north Bihar head, accused politicians and public representatives of deceiving farmers with empty promises. The sugar mill has been non-operational for the past five years, with spirit and ethanol production halted since the enforcement of prohibition. One former employee mentioned that the mill was burdened with substantial bad loans from financial institutions.
