Farmers in tail-end of PAP main canal decry denial of police permission for relay hunger strike

Farmers in the tail-end of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) main canal in Kangayam-Vellakovil belt have expressed dismay over “denial” of permission by the Police Department for conduct of relay hunger fast over inadequacy of water flow.

The farmers allege that the WRD was not dealing with water theft firmly, and that this theft was causing inadequate flow and dry conditions in the tail-end areas.

“For the past five years, we have been fighting against irregularities in water supply through legal means and public protests, but to no avail,” P. Velusamy, president of PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal (Kangayam-Vellakovil) Water Conservation Association said.

“The prevalence of artificial drought in the tail-end areas despite availability of adequate water in the PAP system dams is the main cause for frustration among the farmers in the tail-end areas,” Mr. Velusamy explained.

The formal request sent by the farmers for beginning their relay hunger strike on February 22 was rejected by the police department at the last minute. There was no time even to approach the court. “This is tantamount to deceiving the farmers,” Mr. Velusamy said.

Settlement of full compensation by the government for livestock losses caused by stray dogs has been long overdue.

In a reply to the request of the farmers made on February 20, the Police Department had mentioned the absence of details pertaining to the health condition and age participants of the protest, absence of emergency medical care, particulars of mode of transport and the plans for parking arrangement for the vehicles as reasons for not granting the permission.

The Police Department had also stated the decision to deny permission had a bearing on the Section 30 (of the Tamil Nadu District Police Act, 1859) currently in force, for regulating public assemblies and processions, in Kangayam Police Station limits.