Bhopal: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ends fast
The Chief Minister ended his fast for peace by drinking coconut water.
He was performing his fast at the Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal since Saturday.
The CM began his 'indefinite' fasting to end the violence that has rocked parts of the state, especially Mandsaur, following protests by farmers.
Farmers from all over Madhya Pradesh have been meeting Chouhan at the Dussehra Maidan since Saturday.
The Chief Minister said: "The violence in Mandsaur will be investigated thoroughly & people involved in it will be punished."
He said, "People whose property & vehicles have been charred & vandalised will be provided with compensation."
The CM also announced: "To help farmers who cannot pay interests, we will try to provide loan at 0% interest rate."
Last week, farmers in Mandsaur began agitating, demanding better prices for their produce and for debt relief. On Tuesday, police had to resort to firing when the protesters turned violent and damaged property and set vehicles on fire. Five farmers died on the spot and one more succumbed to his injures on Friday.
On Saturday, the CM said that he will continue with his regular Mantralaya work sitting at the fasting venue and also meet the farmers if they wanted to speak to him, media reports said.
Opposition parties, including Congress, had called the CM's move a 'drama'.
Madhya Pradesh is set to go for polls next year.
Image: CMO Madhya Pradesh Twitter page
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