Farmers Protest Against Wildlife Menace at Parliament Street

The All India Kisan Sabha and All India Agricultural Workers' Union held a protest at Parliament Street, demanding protection from stray cattle and wild animals, a ban on evictions in the name of wildlife corridors, and various amendments to forest and wildlife laws. A meeting with the Environment Minister is anticipated.

Farmers from various Indian states, including Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, converged at Parliament Street under the banners of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the All India Agricultural Workers' Union (AIAWU) to protest against the menace of stray cattle and wild animals. The protesters called for a ban on evictions linked to Elephant Corridors, Tiger Reserves, and Wildlife Protection, and demanded the lifting of restrictions on cattle trade.

The demonstrators urged the government to allow the purchase of unproductive cattle at market rates and take strong action against Cow Vigilante groups. Key demands included a compensation policy for victims of wild animal attacks and amendments to the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and the Forest Conservation Act 1980 to enhance human and wildlife protection.

In a significant development, the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has agreed to meet representatives of the protesting farmers. Among other demands, protesters also sought measures for controlling the wild animal population, such as sterilization and scientific culling, and emphasized the need to stop forced evictions for wildlife conservation projects. AIKS General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan and President Ashok Dhawale were prominent figures at the protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)