Disturbing scenes unfolded in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu on 5 July 2023 as farmers in the region filed a petition in the High Court against ongoing land acquisition for the construction of a state highway between Cuddalore and Madapattu near Panruti. The farmers allege that the land prices were undervalued, prompting them to take legal action. However, their plight took an alarming turn when a video surfaced, revealing authorities and the police demolishing sugarcane crops without any prior notice. These crops were just weeks away from harvest, and are the source of the farmers’ livelihoods.
The actions depicted in the video have left the local community in shock and disbelief. The authorities, in a haste that seemed unnecessary, laid waste to the hard work and dreams of these farmers, seemingly turning a blind eye to their pleas and even the cries of an affected farmer.
Adding to the outrage is the fact that the District Collector had reportedly granted a two-month window for land acquisition.
Plea by the farmers is a stark reminder that those in power should take into account the intricacies of farming livelihoods and the profound impact such decisions can have on the lives of those dependent on the land.
TNBJP President Annamalai tweeted about this and questioned the DMK government, “What was the need to destroy sugarcane crops in such a hurry? How will a man who walks on concrete roads on agricultural land understand the pain of farmers?”.
கடலூர் மாவட்டம் பண்ருட்டி அருகே, கடலூர் மடப்பட்டு இடையிலான மாநில நெடுஞ்சாலை அமைக்க நடைபெறும் நிலம் கையகப்படுத்தும் பணியை எதிர்த்து, நிலத்திற்கு குறைந்த மதிப்பில் விலை நிர்ணயம் செய்ததாகக் கூறி, அந்தப் பகுதியில் உள்ள விவசாயிகள் உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் வழக்கு தொடர்ந்திருப்பதாகத்… pic.twitter.com/9fYzE5sc0m
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 5, 2023
It is noteworthy to mention that the DMK along with outfits like Poovulagin Nanbargal and Dravidian Stockist media had vigorously campaigned against the Chennai Salem Expressway preventing land acquisition and delaying the project.
None of the media outlets which had gone hammer and tongs against the Chennai – Salem Expressway have batted an eye about the plight of the affected farmers in this case.
In light of these distressing events, there are growing calls for the Government of Tamil Nadu to take immediate action. The affected farmers are urging the government to provide suitable relief without delay and to suspend the acquisition of agricultural land until the previously agreed-upon timeline is honored.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.