GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE IMMEDIATE COMPENSATION TO FIRE AFFECTEED FARMERS: CPI(ML)

GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE IMMEDIATE COMPENSATION TO FIRE AFFECTEED FARMERS: CPI(ML)

7-APRIL-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Leaders of the CPI(ML) and the All India Kisan Mahasabha met with Bhojpur District Magistrate Tanay Sultania as part of a seven-member delegation to submit a memorandum demanding compensation for farmers affected by recent fires. Following the submission of the memorandum, while addressing a press conference at the CPI(ML) district office in Shritola, Arrah, the leaders of the CPI(ML) and the All India Kisan Mahasabha highlighted the extensive crop damage suffered by farmers due to fire outbreaks in various areas. These areas include Banahi, Dubawal, Bankat, Mahuar, and Sarna in the Shahpur Assembly constituency; Harigaon, Shantinagar, Bajra Tola, and Saneya in Jagdishpur; Piro Ibrahimpur; and the agricultural fields (*badhar*) of Birampur in the Koilwar block.

Farmers reported that crops belonging to over 200 individuals across more than 1,000 *bighas* of land have been destroyed. In addition to crop losses, two motor pump borewells, two or three electrical transformers, and several trees were also burnt in the incidents.

During the press conference, the CPI(ML) leaders stated that the average wheat yield is 14 quintals per *bigha*; therefore, compensation should be provided based on the current market rates fixed by the government. Furthermore, fodder for livestock belonging to the affected farmers must also be made available.

The CPI(ML) and the All India Kisan Mahasabha stand firmly in solidarity with the farmers. The CPI(ML) leaders demanded that the government and the administration take immediate action to provide compensation of ₹25,000 per *bigha* to the affected farmers. They further demanded that two fire tenders be stationed at every block headquarters, that all damaged borewells and electrical transformers be replaced, and that two quintals of rice be immediately provided to each affected farming family. They warned that failure to meet these demands would lead to the launch of a widespread mass movement. Present at the press release were CPI(ML) Central Committee member Raju Yadav, State Committee member and former MLA Chandradeep Singh, Assembly In-charge Harendra Singh, District Office Secretary Dilraj Pritam, farmers' leader Dudun Singh, District Committee members Jai Shankar Prasad and Shivmangal Yadav, Kunal Singh, and Bimal Singh.