Farmer groups to launch stir seeking aid for landslide survivors’ rehabilitation

Farmer organisations in Wayanad are gearing up to protest against the alleged delay by the Centre and State governments in providing special assistance for the rehabilitation of families affected by the Chooralmala and Mundakkai landslides.

The Haritha Sena, a prominent farmer group, has announced a one-day hunger strike in front of the Collectorate on Thursday (December 5), starting at 10 a.m., to voice their concerns regarding the alleged negligence by the authorities towards the Wayanad landslide victims.

Speaking to reporters, Haritha Sena district president M. Surendran, and district convenor P.N. Sudhakara Swami, accused the Central and State governments of misleading the public and shifting responsibility onto each other, thereby neglecting the urgent needs of the affected individuals.

Four months following what is regarded as the state’s worst disaster, the government has yet to implement an adequate housing project for the families eligible for resettlement. “Many deserving families have been unjustly excluded from the draft beneficiary list,” said Mr. Surendran.

Mr. Swami said that all relocated families should be considered for resettlement. He further demanded that families of the missing should receive benefits, presuming their loved ones have died.

The leaders also advocated for providing interest-free loans to assist disaster victims in rebuilding their livelihoods and making higher education accessible and free for their children. They expressed strong discontent over the stance of the Kerala State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank and primary cooperative banks, which have not offered any concessions to farmers who are still burdened by debts from the aid received through the debt relief commission.

In addition to the hunger strike, a farmers’ meeting will be held on December 9 at 10 a.m. at MGT Hall in Kalpetta to further press their demands for justice and assistance.

Published - December 03, 2024 07:59 pm IST