Farmers’ Association Warns of Protests Against Forest Minister Over Rising Wildlife Attacks

Thiruvananthapuram: A farmers’ organization has warned that it will stage protests and block the Forest Minister in public if the government fails to find an immediate solution to the increasing incidents of wildlife attacks. The group pointed out that six farmers have lost their lives in wildlife-related incidents within the past three weeks.

The organization accused the Forest Minister of failing to take effective action and of mocking the victims and their families. It alleged that on the day Mari was killed by a wild elephant in Suryanelli, the minister traveled along the nearby Aluva–Munnar highway but did not visit the bereaved family.

The group further claimed that the minister also failed to visit Mari’s son, who was undergoing treatment in hospital. According to the farmers’ organization, negligence on the part of the Forest Department contributed to Mari’s death. They alleged that although the elephant had remained in the area for some time, the department failed to take adequate precautionary measures.

The organization also noted that the previous LDF government had provided ₹14 lakh in compensation to the dependents of those killed in wild animal attacks. It accused the UDF government of failing to fulfill its promise to increase the compensation amount to ₹21 lakh.

The statement further criticized the Congress, stating thatwhile it was in opposition, it falsely blamed the then Left government for every wildlife attack but failed to implement a permanent solution when given the opportunity.

In a joint statement, State Secretary Vatsan Panoly and President M Vijayakumar warned that if the government does not take concrete steps to find a lasting solution, members of the farmers’ organization will protest and block the Forest Minister in public.