Farmers in Tamil Nadu have organized a movement to demand justice for their fellow farmers in Tiruvannamalai, who were unjustly arrested and charged under the Goondas Act. This law, which allows for preventive detention, has been criticized for its potential abuse and violation of civil liberties.
In an inspiring show of solidarity, the Tamil Nadu Anaithu Vivasaya Sangangalin Poratta Kuzhu union has called for a statewide hunger strike scheduled for November 29th in Chennai, in order to amplify their concerns. Farmers from Melma and nearby villages in the Tiruvannamalai district had been peacefully protesting against the land acquisition by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). Their demands revolve around fair treatment for farmers and the withdrawal of legal action against them.
During a recent meeting held in Trichy, participants of the Anaithu Vivasaya Sangangalin Poratta Kuzhu expressed their discontent with the state government. The union firmly believes that the arrested farmers from Tiruvannamalai were unjustly accused of causing a conflict with the police. Through their protests, the union seeks to draw the attention of the state government and exert pressure to drop all charges against the farmers and leaders of the farmer associations involved in the SIPCOT project. They also specifically seek the withdrawal of charges under the Goondas Act against a farmer named A Arul.
This effort highlights the resilience and determination of the farming community in Tamil Nadu in their fight for their rights. The protesters demand a fair assessment of the situation and an end to the criminalization of their legitimate dissent. This collective action serves as a reminder of the power of unified voices and their ability to challenge unjust systems.