The rising mercury seems to be wreaking havoc with the health of protesting Tamil Nadu farmers, who now claim to have sought reinforcements from their native villages.
On Wednesday a 62-year-old farmer, Mahadevan from Oorudaiyapatti of Tiruchi district in Tamil Nadu, was taken to a nearby hospital due to dehydration and vomiting. The protesters said that 64 people were taken to the hospital recently for various reasons such as stomach pain, dehydration, body pains and upset stomach.
Seeking drought relief
“When we began the protest, there were over 150 farmers, but as their health deteriorated some of them were sent back. But, more farmers and youngsters from our State are on the way to Delhi to support us,” said Sadasivam, a protesting farmer.
The farmers, who have been protesting for the last 16 days, are refusing to give in until their demands, including a drought relief package of ₹40,000 crore and a farm loan waiver, are met.
Cutting across the political spectrum, leaders of both regional and national parties, including some actors have offered support to the farmers.
