Farmers Protest Against Arrest of Colleague Under Gangster Act
In a show of solidarity, farmers across Tamil Nadu are protesting the arrest of Arul, a fellow farmer who was charged under the gangster act for his participation in a protest with Chief Minister Stalin. The arrest has sparked outrage among the farming community, leading to widespread demonstrations and calls for justice.
The controversy stems from a prolonged protest in Thiruvannamalai district, Melma village, where 20 farmers were arrested and detained for 126 days. The farmers were demonstrating against the acquisition of arable land for the ‘Sipkot’ extension, with seven of them facing charges under the thug law.
Despite efforts to challenge the charges, only six of the accused had their gangster act charges withdrawn, leaving Arul from Krishnagiri still facing legal repercussions. This has prompted a groundswell of support from over 100 farmers’ associations, with a dedicated protest committee formed to demand the cancellation of the cases.
Marching in solidarity, farmers across 24 districts, including Chennai, held a protest on the 21st to amplify their message. Additionally, a request for police permission is being sought for a fast in Chennai, with discussions underway about continuing the protest in Melma village.
The issue has gained further attention due to Arul’s past participation in a protest with Chief Minister Stalin when he was the leader of the opposition in February 2021. A photo of Arul sitting alongside the chief minister at the protest has raised questions about the portrayal of a farmer as a terrorist, igniting further outrage and demands for justice.
Amidst mounting pressure, another protest group in Chennai has announced their intent to continue demonstrations until the controversial Thiruvannamalai Chipcot expansion project is canceled, underscoring the determination of the farming community to seek redress for their colleague’s arrest.