The Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) has taken up the upland farmers’ demand for protection from wild animal attacks as a campaign issue ahead of the local body elections in Kozhikode district. The organisation says farmers will vote only for candidates who sign a self-declaration committing to protect farmers’ interests during human–animal conflict.
KIFA functionaries led by Manoj Kumbalanikkal are distributing self-declaration forms to all candidates, explaining the need to support farmers under Section 11.2 (grant of permit for special purposes) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. “We have clearly stated that no criminal case should be registered against farmers who resist wild animals encroaching on their fields, and candidates must support this stand if they want farmers’ votes,” they assert.
According to the association, over 100 candidates have already signed the self-declaration forms, expressing their commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests. They also claim that some candidates have independently begun distributing the forms to show their support for farmers’ demands.
Several local farmers’ forums have also come in support of KIFA’s attempt to mobilise candidates’ support ahead of the election. Priority lists prepared with inputs from these groups are now being widely circulated as part of the campaign. In Kozhikode district, the campaign mainly targets voters in the Thiruvambady, Koduvally, Balussery, Perambra, Kuttiyadi, and Nadapuram panchayats.
“Within a year, 34 people have lost their lives to wild animal attacks in Kerala. The State government and Forest department officials have shown absolute negligence in addressing safety issues,” says Alex Ozhukayil, an admin of KIFA’s social media team. 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 – December 08, 2025 07:20 pm IST
