MADIKERI: Madikeri was engulfed in white and green as thousands of farmers across Kodagu took to the streets to voice their anguish against the state and central governments.
Led by the Somwarpet Raitha Horata Samithi with support from numerous other organizations, the farmers opposed the move of the governments in declaring the C and D cultivated land as Reserve Forest.
Wearing green shawls and showing off their mighty power, thousands of farmers walked in protest and shouted slogans against the government. The slogans ‘Our land, Our right’, ‘Officers in AC Room and Farmers on the streets’ echoed clearly across the city as they demanded the government to withdraw the policy of declaring C and D cultivated land as forest regions.
Following the massive protest rally across the city, the farmers gathered at Gandhi Maidan and a formal meeting was addressed by the farmer leaders.
“The problem with the C and D land is not new. From during the framing of forest law, farmers are faced with the C and D land threats. The forest department is causing trouble for the farmers. We are ready to sacrifice our lives if justice is not served,” spoke K Manu Somaiah, the district president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha.
The other farmer leaders who addressed the gathering urged for the farmers to unite and fight for their rights.
The farmers garnered support from all the political parties as leaders from BJP, Congress and JD(S) joined in the protest demanding justice for the farmers. The party leaders shared that the problems faced by the farmers of Kodagu was a burning issue and required support irrespective of the political differences.
Former MLA Appachu Ranjan confirmed that the political leaders from all the parties will unite to oppose the implementation of Kasthurirangan and Gadgil reports.
Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, MLC Suja Kushalappa, former MLA KG Bopaiah, Congress district president Dharmaja Uthappa and other political leaders took part in the protest rally. Over 3000 farmers from across the district flowed into the city to host the massive protest.