Theni (Tamil Nadu), Apr 22 (PTI) Tension prevailed in a hill village in this district on Wednesday after people blocked the roads and hindered the movement of the EVMs and polling personnel, alleging a lack of basic roads and infrastructure in their settlements.
The protesters, primarily from tribal communities in Agamalai Panchayat, threatened to boycott the upcoming elections and demanded a permanent solution to their long-pending grievances.
Speaking to the media, the villagers, representing hamlets including Kakarai and Oothukadu, stated that they have been living in the region for five generations without essential amenities such as motorable roads, schools, or proper transport.
They alleged that despite a reported sanction of Rs 1.80 crore for a 4-km road project, the work has been consistently blocked by forest department regulations. Protesters pointed out that the lack of connectivity has led to tragic consequences, including deaths of pregnant women and patients who must be carried in makeshift stretchers for kilometres to reach the nearest hospital.
Agitating residents also complained about administrative hurdles, claiming that forest officials prevent them from carrying even basic building materials like cement and tin sheets to repair their homes.
One woman protester highlighted the difficulty in obtaining birth certificates for children born in the hills, which has adversely affected their access to higher education. The villagers expressed deep frustration that officials only visit their remote areas during election cycles while ignoring their fundamental needs for the rest of the year.
Police and revenue officials who rushed to the spot, in Sothuparai village, held talks with the protesters to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. An official assured the villagers that their demands regarding forest clearances and road construction would be taken up with the district collector and the district forest officer after the election process is completed.
However, the villagers maintained that they would not allow the EVMs to proceed unless concrete assurances were provided for their basic survival needs. PTI JR JR ADB
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