Fri Sep 19 15:27:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Farmers from the Byndoor Taluk Raita Sangha protested in Manipal against the proposed expansion of the Byndoor Town Panchayat to include rural areas. They threshed rice sheaves in front of the district office to demonstrate their opposition, arguing that the expansion would harm the rural community by imposing higher taxes and duties. They demanded the government implement the Deputy Commissioner’s proposal to limit the Town Panchayat to 11 wards. The Deputy Commissioner has assured the farmers that a new committee will be formed to gather feedback and a revised proposal will be sent to the government.
**News Article:**
**Byndoor Farmers Protest Town Panchayat Expansion with Rice Threshing**
**Manipal, September 19, 2025:** Members of the Byndoor Taluk Raita Sangha staged a unique protest today in front of the district office complex in Rajatadri, Manipal, to voice their strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the Byndoor Town Panchayat. Farmers, representing rural communities within the Byndoor Taluk, threshed rice sheaves on the road in a symbolic act of defiance against the inclusion of their agricultural lands into the Town Panchayat limits.
Led by Sangha President Deepak Kumar Shetty, the protestors argued that incorporating rural areas into the Town Panchayat would burden them with increased taxes and duties, negatively impacting their livelihoods. “We have already submitted representations to the Deputy Commissioner, urging the government to exclude rural areas from the Town Panchayat,” said Mr. Shetty, addressing the assembled farmers. “We demand the government implement the Deputy Commissioner’s proposal to limit the Town Panchayat to 11 wards. Any attempt to expand the boundary will cause great harm to our community.”
The farmers further declared that they would boycott all political events until their demands are met.
Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa acknowledged the farmers’ concerns and assured them that a new committee will be formed to gather feedback from each gram panchayat regarding the proposed expansion. “The government initially proposed a 54 sq. km area for the Town Panchayat,” Ms. Swaroopa told *The Hindu*. “However, after receiving representations from the farmers, the district administration recommended limiting it to approximately 11 sq. km. The government has requested clarification on this significant reduction. We are committed to a thorough review process to ensure the best outcome for all stakeholders.”
The farmers submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner outlining their demands. The issue remains unresolved as the government reviews the revised proposal.
First Piper 