CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is going to observe a one-day general strike called by an umbrella body of farmers on Monday pressing for a charter of demands, including waiver of farm loans.
The Tamil Nadu Farmers Associations Joint Movement (TNFAJM), comprising 94 farmers’ bodies across the State, has given the call that is being supported by leading political parties and organisations.
The main demands are waiver of loans, distribution of drought relief irrespective of extent of land owned by the farmers and formation of the much-delayed Cauvery Management Board.
The farmers have decided to keep their cattle on the middle of the road and rail tracks, besides cooking food in the open during the one-day strike.
“Our farmers are going to tie their cattle on the middle of the road and railway tracks in villages. They will block the traffic movement completely to draw the attention of the authorities concerned,” said PK Deivasigamani, president, TMFAJM.
The DMK and its ally the Congress have extended support to the strike. Similarly, CPI, CPM, Naam Tamil Katchi and Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi too have expressed their solidarity with the farmers.
Apart from the political parties, several organisations including the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sankangalin Peravai led by T Vellaiyan also came out in support of the strike. The traders owing allegiance to the Peravai would down their shutters during the strike on Monday.
Deivasigamani, who has been at the forefront to organise the farmers associations and mustering support from political parties, hoped the stir would make an impact.