Agartala, January 17: On Wednesday, three farmers’ organizations affiliated with CPIM rallied in Agartala, echoing the urgent plea for immediate compensation for a staggering one lakh farmers in West Tripura district. These farmers bore the brunt of substantial losses caused by unseasonal rains in December last.
Under the banners of All India Kishan Sabha, Tripura Kshet Mazdood Union, and Tripura Rajya Ganamukti Parishad, impassioned members convened a protest demonstration.
Starting from the Paradise Chowmhuni area, the rally traversed the streets of the capital city, with participants vociferously expressing their discontent with the government’s response to their plight.
The crux of their protest lies in the immediate declaration and disbursement of compensation for farmers who faced the wrath of unrelenting rain not once, but twice in the month of December. The untimely rainfall wreaked havoc on winter crops, especially paddy, just before the anticipated harvest.
Later they gathered at the district magistrate’s office gate, fervently raising slogans in support of their demands.
Expressing frustration with previous attempts, protesters highlighted their interactions with agricultural department officials, the director, and the Minister, lamenting the lack of positive action. Consequently, they sought recourse by knocking on the door of the District Magistrate, emphasizing the urgency of their predicament.
In addition to the rain-induced agricultural woes, the protesters shed light on the alarming increase in cow lifting incidents in the district.
Over the past few months, they noted a drastic surge, with approximately 1000 cows stolen and taken across the border. This poses a substantial financial blow to farmers, as mature cows are valued at more than a lakh, and milking cows represent an additional source of income.
As the demonstration unfolded, a delegation of the aggrieved farmers engaged with District Magistrate Vishal Kumar. They presented a comprehensive memorandum, underscoring the gravity of their demands and the pressing need for swift and tangible resolutions.
