Arikomban issue: Farmers' union to hold protest march to Kerala HC on Wednesday

Kochi: Farmers’ unions has decided to observe a protest march to Kerala High Court on Wednesday over its decision to halt all operations to capture the rogue wild tusker 'Arikomban' in Idukki. A meeting held between various unions on Saturday decided to file a formal complaint before High Court Chief Justice.

More than 60 independent farmers' unions will hold a protest march at 10 am on Wednesday. The union demands the protection of their life and property, immediate capture of the rogue elephant among other demands. The farmers also requested the Chief Justice to hear the case. 

The High Court had on Wednesday constituted a five-member expert committee to take a decision on what action should be taken concerning Arikomban, so named as it raids ration shops and houses for rice.

The panel has to communicate its decision to the court by April 5 and till then the capture has been prohibited. However, the Idukki natives opposed the verdict and observed a hartal. 

The Forest department and Idukki district administration had arranged 11 units of Rapid Response Team, comprising 71 officers, to capture the wild elephant in Idukki. Elaborate arrangements were in place to capture Arikomban after it inflicted damage to properties in Munnar and other nearby areas of Kerala.