Protests Against Recent Amendments to Land Reform Rules Intensify

Stir on Sept 15

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Idukki

TRADERS' organisations and farmers' groups in the high ranges have intensified protests against the recent amendments to the Land Reform Rules, terming them anti-people and financially exploitative.

The Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (VVES) district committee has said that it will launch a protest in front of the Secretariat on September 15, while district-wide awareness meetings will be held in the run-up to the agitation.

According to the samithi, the amended rules do not resolve any of the long-pending land disputes in Idukki. Instead, they impose hefty penalties on settlers who have already constructed houses after paying statutory fees, securing building numbers, and remitting taxes.