IRITTY: A protest led by Janakeeya Samithi is escalating against Karnataka's move to acquire 15 acres of agricultural land from seven families in Barapola situated on the Kerala-Karnataka border. The disputed area, part of Palathumkadavu in the second ward of Ayyankunnu panchayat has been a longstanding territory of Kerala inhabited by families for over six decades.

Recent tensions arose when Karnataka's Makkoottam Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary forest guards halted beneficiary Vishwanathan from commencing house renovation removing cultivated tapioca and disputing ownership of one acre of land possessing title deeds. Until last year, taxes for this land were paid in Ayyankunnu village.

In response, the people's committee led by Ayyankunnu panchayat president cleared the forest in the contested area sparking a verbal confrontation between Karnataka forest guards and the strike committee workers. Subsequently, the panchayat president and their group adopted a firm stance, leading to the retreat of Karnataka forest guards.

Although seven families claim ownership, only three currently reside on the disputed land. Furthermore, survey stones demarcating the area were removed heightening the dispute.

Local sources assert that Karnataka had initiated prior attempts to encroach upon 15 acres along the Barapola river. Allegations suggest the Karnataka Forest Department established boundaries unilaterally by displacing survey stones placed during state re-determination challenging the demarcated boundary.

'The Kannur District Collector expressed intentions to engage with the Coorg District Collector in pursuit of a resolution. Discussions are expected between Makkoottam Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the District Forest Officer (DFO) to address the escalating conflict.'
-Kuryachan Paimpallikunnel
President, Ayyankunnu Panchayat