The Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) has taken up the hill farmers’ demand for protection from wild animal attacks as a campaign theme ahead of the local body elections in Kozhikode district. The organization says farmers will only vote for candidates who sign a self-declaration pledging to protect farmers’ interests during human-animal conflict.
KIFA officials, led by Manoj Kumbalanikkal, distribute self-declaration forms to all candidates, explaining the need to support farmers under Section 11.2 (grant of permits for special purposes) of the Wildlife Act. “We have made it clear that there should be no criminal prosecution of farmers who prevent wildlife from entering their fields, and candidates must support this position if they want farmers’ votes,” he claims.
According to the association, more than 100 candidates have already signed self-declaration forms expressing their commitment to protect farmers’ interests. They also claim that some candidates have started distributing forms independently to show their support for farmers’ demands.
Several local farmers’ forums also supported KIFA’s attempt to mobilize support for candidates ahead of the elections. The priority lists drawn up based on input from these groups are now widely disseminated as part of the campaign. In Kozhikode district, the campaign is mainly targeting voters in Thiruvambady, Koduvally, Balussery, Perambra, Kuttiyadi and Nadapuram panchayats.
“In one year, 34 people have lost their lives due to wild animal attacks in Kerala. The state government and forest department officials have shown absolute negligence in dealing with security issues,” says Alex Ozhukayil, KIFA Social Media Team Administrator. He adds that farmers deserve justice by removing dangerous animals under Section 152 (Procedure for removal of public nuisance) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Published – 8 Dec 2025 19:20 IST
