A Violent Assault on Farmers with Government Permits Sparks Demands for Protection and Compensation.
A group of milk farmers in Bhubaneswar, India, is demanding action after a harrowing attack by cow vigilantes. The farmers, who were legally transporting 19 cows and calves in six mini-trucks under a state government program, were ambushed and attacked with iron rods. The Odisha Milk Farmersā Association (OMFA) reported that the group of nearly 50 youths not only beat the farmers but also damaged their vehicles and stole money, despite the farmers presenting valid government documents for the animals.
The unprovoked assault resulted in significant harm to both the farmers and their animals. According to one of the affected farmers, a pregnant cow was so terrified by the attack that she delivered a stillborn calf. The vigilantes also caused terror and chaos by damaging three trucks and injuring four farmers, even manhandling police personnel who arrived at the scene. One of the victims reported losing Rs 70,000 during the attack, an extreme financial loss for the small farmers.
The OMFA’s chairman, Rabi Behera, stated that this incident is not isolated, with similar attacks recently occurring in other parts of the state. He warned that if such vigilantism and “hooliganism” continues, farmers may cease dairy farming, which would cause the governmentās flagship program to increase milk production to fail. This has serious implications for dairy economics and the local agribusiness sector, as it could disrupt the milk supply chain.
In response, the milk farmers’ association has issued a strong demand for action. They are calling for stringent measures against the attackers and financial compensation for the damaged vehicles and physical harm suffered by the farmers. The OMFA is also seeking government protection for farmers who are transporting cows from other states and has requested a high-level meeting with the chief secretary to address the growing issue of violence.
Police have confirmed they have arrested at least three of the youths involved and are working to identify and arrest other individuals connected to the incident. However, the farmers’ association has stated that if the government does not take swift and meaningful steps to address the problem, they will resort to widespread street protests. This highlights the high stakes of the situation and the potential for a larger disruption to the state’s dairy supply.
Source: The Times of India, “Milk farmers demand action after cow vigilante attack”
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