Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Feb 1: Villagers of Kumbarakeri in Kandrappadi within Devachalla gram panchayat limits in the taluk protested against the initiative undertaken by the forest department to mark forest borders and dig trenches there on Tuesday, January 31. After tension gripped the area due to heated exchange of words, range forest officer intervened and pacified the concerned.

Since the last four decades, 150 families have been living in Kumbarakeri area. They have their houses and agricultural fields in this area, and they also hold record of rights for these lands. Still, without prior information or notice, forest department officials came there on Tuesday, duly equipped with a backhoe. They started to mark forest border in the fields of the local farmers, and began to dig trenches there with the help of the backhoe.

The locals immediately squatted in front of the backhoe and blocked it from going ahead with digging of trenches. On this occasion, convener of Malnad Janahitarakshana Vedike, Kishore Shiradi, held discussions with forest officials. He pointed out that the farmers have records for the land held in their names. After the protesters stood their ground, demanding the presence of range forest officer, Prashant Pai, the officer came there. He promised them that trenches will be dug in such a way that it will not create problems for the farm land and houses of farmers. Thereafter, the protest was withdrawn.

President of Devachalla gram panchayat, Diwakar Mundody and other members, officials of forest department and members of Malnad Janahitarakshana Vedike were present.