Farmers storm sub-station over 2-hour power supply

Gurajala (Guntur): Agitated over mere two-hour power supply, farmers staged dharna in front of sub-station at Charlagudipadu of Gurajala mandal in Guntur district on Monday. They lamented that the crops were drying up because of poor power supply. The farmers charged that power supply to agricultural needs was stopped without valid reason. Though they had cleared arrears, the electricity department had stopped issuing bills, they alleged.A Farmers' anger crossed the limits when they found no official to represent their problems. They pelted stones at the sub-station out of frustration. Some tube lights were smashed. The police rushed to the spot a little later. Sub-Inspector Kiran tried in vain to pacify the farmers. As a last minute effort, he established contact with the electricity AE Srinivas and requested him to present at the protest venue.Addressing the agitating farmers, the AE said that the power supply was being stopped because of non-payment of arrears. He requested the farmers to cooperate with the officials by paying bills on time. The officials of both the police and electricity departments had tough time dealing with the farmers.