Green forums deny portraying farmers as ‘mafia’
Environmental organizations in Wayanad have denied allegations that they characterize farmers as a 'mafia,' stating their criticism is directed at vested interests in quarrying and tourism. They emphasize their long-standing history of working with local communities on ecological preservation.
Why it matters
This highlights the complex conflict between environmental conservation efforts and agricultural/developmental interests in ecologically sensitive regions.
The Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samiti (WPSS) and seven other environmental organisations have strongly rejected allegations by certain quarters that they have been spreading misinformation, saying the accusations are intended to serve the interests of encroachers and the quarrying, resort and tourism lobbies rather than address the genuine concerns of farmers.
In a joint statement, organisations said claims that they had portrayed farmers as a “mafia” in a letter addressed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were false. They maintained that the letter had instead criticised certain organisations that claimed to represent farmers, alleging that they served vested interests and had supported the appointment of a controversial individual to the Forest Minister’s personal staff.
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