The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the deaths of 106 farmers during a period of one month in Tamil Nadu which it considers as a matter of concern. It has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu calling a detailed report in the matter within six weeks. He has been asked to also inform about the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the State Government.

The Commission has observed that there is a need for sincere implementation of the laws and policies made for the farming sector especially, the small farmers. The farmers are required to be brought out of the agrarian crisis, which have been adversely affecting them since long. Failure of a crop not only affects the farmers, financially but also puts them under tremendous stress and mental agony. The entire family collapses when a farmer dies or commits suicide.

The Commission has also observed that despite of being the most crucial and significant section of the society, the farmers are feeling neglected by the policy makers. The issue is not only relating to their Right to Life and Dignity of the victims but also indicative of failure and inaction by the State agencies.

A Tamil daily reported two days ago that 83 farmers died of heart attack. There have also been instances of suicides by farmers. The same newspaper reported today that the number of deaths has reached 106.