Over 100 Villages Strike Against Forest Department Evictions

Residents across more than 100 villages in the Kadamalai-Mayilai union of Theni district have launched a strike and hunger protest to oppose the Forest Department's efforts to evict people living within the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve. Protesters are demanding an end to the displacement of families who have resided in the region for three generations. The one-day demonstration serves to draw attention to the issue, with organizers urging the state government to file a review petition currently pending before the Supreme Court. Protest leaders have called on the public to support the affected residents in their struggle against the eviction plans.