Idukki, 16 July (H.S.):CPI(M) leader and former Kerala minister M.M. Mani has sparked a political controversy after issuing a strong warning to forest officials and police personnel while addressing a farmers' protest in Idukki district over an alleged land dispute.

Speaking at a demonstration organised by the Kerala Karshaka Sangham in Kanjikuzhy, Mani accused the Forest Department of encroaching upon revenue land and attempting to evict farmers from areas they have cultivated for years. The protest was held in response to allegations that forest authorities were laying claim to revenue land in the region.

During his speech, Mani warned forest officials against exceeding their authority and said they should carry out their duties with restraint and respect. He alleged that if officials continued to harass farmers, the protesters would be compelled to resist.

He further declared that if authorities tried to enforce the law in a manner that targeted local residents, those who confronted the farmers would themselves face resistance. Mani said people would not remain passive if they were subjected to force or intimidation.

Escalating his remarks, the former minister also targeted the police, saying neither the police nor the Forest Department could intimidate the farming community. He claimed that officials should remember they too have families and warned that any physical action against protesters would be met with retaliation. He stressed that his comments were not made in jest and reflected the growing anger among farmers.

The controversial remarks were made during a march to the Makarampara Forest Office, organised to protest what participants described as attempts by the Forest Department to take over revenue land and displace residents.

Mani also criticised Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, accusing him of trying to frighten the public instead of addressing the concerns raised by farmers over the land dispute.

The remarks are expected to draw sharp political reactions, particularly because they included warnings directed at law enforcement and forest officials during a public protest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman