Desperate farmers turn to departed souls for CMB

Public and farmers led by P Ayyakannu, farmer leader, spearheaded a novel protest by praying to the dead souls to find an amicable solution to the Cauvery row. 

The protesters squatted in the cemetery, dating back to British era near the Collectorate and commenced the prayers. “The government failed to pay heed to our continuous demands for forming the CMB. So, we are praying to the good souls in this cemetery to bring about a change in the mindset of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to constitute the CMB,” he told the reporters.

Ayyakannu claimed that he was hopeful that the Centre would respond to the requests of souls, unlike their ignoring of demands by human beings.  

“The BJP government has been delaying the formation of the CMB with an eye on Karnataka polls. The Centre is not concerned, even if Tamil Nadu becomes a desert without water,” he said. 

Ayyakannu also said that the next cycle of protests will be organised from June 9 in Chennai over the CMB issue. “We will maintain the momentum and never allow protests to become weak until our demands are fulfilled. A human chain protest will be organised on Monday,” he added.