Widespread Outrage as 20 Farmers Arrested in Tiruvannamalai for Protesting Land Acquisition
The arrest and prolonged detention of 20 farmers from Tiruvannamalai, India, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the violation of their rights. These farmers were taken into custody for peacefully protesting against the proposed acquisition of agricultural wetlands for the MELMA SIPCOT project. Social activist Aruna Roy, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed her strong disapproval of the farmers’ arrest and called for their immediate release, urging the authorities to drop all charges against them.
According to the statement, these farmers have been engaged in a peaceful sit-in protest on their patta land, opposing the government’s plan to acquire 3,200 acres of agricultural wetlands for leasing to private industries. Shockingly, they were arrested from their homes in the early hours of November 4, based on an FIR filed in August. The charges against them include unlawful assembly, carrying a maximum punishment of five years. To further compound their distress, five of the arrested farmers have been transferred to different jails across Tamil Nadu, which is seen as a form of harassment. Additionally, the farmers are also facing a second FIR filed in July, which could potentially prolong their incarceration. The statement vehemently demands the government to dismiss all charges, release the farmers, and put an end to all forceful methods of land acquisition.
The statement was endorsed by individuals such as advocate V Suresh from Madras High Court and member of PUCL, Jayaram Venkatesan, convener of Arappor Iyakkam, Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh from MKSS, and Sudha Ramalingam, a prominent human rights activist.
Sources reveal that there is a possibility of invoking the Goondas Act, a preventive detention law, against five protesters, including agriculture activist Arul Arumugam, who was arrested. Efforts were made to contact Tiruvannamalai collector B Murugeshan to seek clarification on this matter, but unfortunately, he could not be reached for comment.
The arrest and continued detention of these farmers have triggered a wave of discontent and concern, with critics emphasizing the potential violation of their fundamental rights. The use of forceful methods to suppress peaceful protests and the extended incarceration of these individuals have led to widespread outrage. Human rights organizations, activists, and citizens alike are calling on the government to reevaluate its approach and address the grievances of farmers instead of resorting to punitive measures.
It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the mounting pressure and growing demands for the farmers’ release. As the situation unfolds, the eyes of many are fixed on Tiruvannamalai, awaiting justice and the proper resolution of this distressing issue.
