Trichy (Tamil Nadu): Farmers from here for the past 46 days under the leadership of Ayyakannu, the state president of the National South Indian River Linking Farmers Association, have been staging a continuous sit-in protest in front. The protest has taken various forms, including placing skulls and bones, chanting names, biting rats, putting bananas in their mouths, and wearing 'Adivasi clothes'.
On the 45th day, the farmers intensified the demonstration by shaving their heads.
On the 46th day - September 17 - the farmers protested by burning an effigy of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, continuing their efforts to highlight their grievances and demands. Farmers, led by Ayyakannu, protested the Karnataka government's refusal to release water to Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned Karnataka's actions and called for a massive hunger strike in solidarity with the farmers.
What is the demand for the protested farmers? Loan Waiver: The first demand is for the agricultural loans of big farmers, which were changed from short-term to medium-term loans without their consent by the then AIADMK government. The protesters are calling for the waiver of these loans to support farmers.
Canal construction: The second demand involves the construction of a canal on the north side of the Mettur Dam, connecting it to Ayyar. This is intended to benefit farmers in Salem, Namakkal, Trichy, Perambalur, and Ariyalur districts.