Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday condoled the death of a farmer, who was part of the protest against the GAIL pipeline project in Kariappanalli hamlet in Dharmapuri district. He also announced a solatium of ₹5 lakh to the family from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.
In a statement, Mr. Stalin said the DMK government, which was following in the footsteps of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, would remain the farmers’ “friend in need.”
Ganesan, 43, died by suicide near a protest site against the GAIL pipeline project in Kariappanalli hamlet in Paaparapatty in Dharmapuri district last week. Farmers here have been protesting against the project and have only intensified their stir after the death of Ganesan. The protesters demanded solatium for Ganesan’s family.
Minister for Agriculture M.R.K. Panneerselvam visited the family of the deceased farmer and presented the solatium cheque from the State government on Sunday. The Minister along with District Collector S. Divyadarshini visited the family of the deceased farmer on Sunday and condoled his death.
(Assistance to overcome suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s Health helpline - 104 - and Sneha - 044-2464 0050.)