Furore over bank notice on farmlands at grievance meet

The farmers also shouted slogans against the state government and the banks as they were irked by the inhuman attitude and action of the State Bank of India. It had sent notice to six farmers (who had availed of crop loans from the bank in 2013) from Kulumani, Mekudi and Koppu to pay the dues and close the loan before June 16. The notice had clearly stated that if the farmers failed to comply, their lands would be attached. 

“This act of the bank sending notice to attach properties of the farmers has come as a shocker that too at a time when the farmers have been staging protests to compensate them for crop failure due to drought,” said the farmers. As soon as the meet commenced, farmers showed the bank notice to the Collector and officials. 

“We have been fighting for crop failure compensation and waiver of crop loans. This, we find it as a warning to all those who are waiting for the loan waiver”, said Puliyur Natarajan, State President of TMC (Farmers Wing). The farmers said that bank officials have been threatening and using abusive language against them. “The notice issued by the bank is shocking”, said, the farmers, who dispersed after the Collector assured them of necessary action.