Somwarpet farmers plan indefinite protest

Madikeri: The Somwarpet Raitha Horata Samithi has decided to hold a day-and-night dharna in front of the DC office in Madikeri over the unresolved C and D land issue from June 16. A decision in this regard was taken during the meeting held at Somwarpet Vokkaligara Sangha Hall.

The meeting, headed by Horata Samithi president Suresh Chakravathry, discussed the various problems, including the C and D land notices issued to the farmers, clearance of estates of the farmers by the foresters and other issues. The farmers highlighted that the govt remained negligent towards the problems of the farmers despite several struggles in the past and alleged that the officials have turned a deaf ear to the problems of the farmers.

“A huge protest was held in Madikeri in the past to resolve the C and D land issue. Somwarpet taluk was shut down following the farmers’ struggle. Hundreds of petitions have been given to officials, MLAs, ministers, MPs and even the chief minister. But the problem has not been resolved yet,” Suresh said.

He recalled that the govt formed a committee to study C and D land in the district and a report in this regard had to be submitted to the state before May 21. But he said there is no update about it and asked the district administration if the report was completed and submitted.

He alleged that the forest department is causing trouble to farmers and has continued to issue notices under Section 4 despite the govt refraining from this move until the report has been submitted and studied. “These acts by the forest department prove that the govts are not in favour of the farmers,” he alleged. He said that no action has been initiated against the forest department staff who destroyed the coffee and cardamom crops of the elderly farmer couple in Mukkodlu region.

“The Union and state govts should have come forward to resolve this issue. MLAs and MPs should have paid more attention. The study committee formed by the govt seems like it was just formed to pacify the protesting farmers,” he stated.

The forum called on the farmers to take part in the indefinite struggle.