Farmers plan protest march

Idukki: At a time when CPM workers continue their agitations at Chinnakanal demanding land for the landless estate workers, a group of winter vegetable farmers plans protest against the CPM-ruled Vattavada panchayat over the delay in completing land verification.
Devikulam sub-collector has started land record verification in Vattavada and Kottakkamboor villages three months ago.But according to farmers, panchayat officials blocked the verification process to protect the encroachers land in Vattavada and Kottakkamboor villages that are included in the proposed Neelakurinji sanctuary area.
Winter vegetables farmers will take out a march to the Vattavada panchayat office on Wednesday. Idukki DCC president Ibrahimkutty Kallar will inaugurate the march. KPCC vice-president A K Mani will preside over the meeting, according to sources.
“There are over 2,000 winter vegetable farmers in the region. Farmers are ready to submit their land records for the verification process. But the CPM-led panchayat leadership blocked the process,” said Jayaprakash, a winter vegetable farmer at Vattavada.
“Due to the delay in completion of land record verification, farmers could not pay land tax or get possession certificate of their lands. The CPM leadership are trying to protect encroachers lands,” said another winter vegetable farmer Selvaraj.
However, Vattavada panchayat president P Ramraj refuted the allegations.
“The government should verify land records in the region. But before the verification process, revenue officials should conduct a talk with local political leaders and tribal heads. The CPM or panchayat will not oppose the verification process,” said Ramraj.