CONFLICT BETWEEN LABOURERS AND PLANTERS

Madikeri jan. 7

Conflict between labourers and coffee planters in Ammathi, South Kodagu has resulted in the complete stoppage of works in the estates. The labourers demand Rs. 300 wages per day, but the planters are not ready to give that much amount. Increase in manure and pesticides prices, the dropping of coffee due to unseason rains has afffected the expected crop this year-planers explain. The labourers are sent by the mediators who deamnd commisssion and vehicle charges. This will futther add to the burden. The planters Raghu Aiyappa, Kavadichanda Ganapathi,M.Suresh Aiyappa, U. Jagath and others told this ccorrespondent that until, the labourers reduce their present demand of wages, they will not be allowed to execute the work. Since 4th January about 200 labourers are sitting idle without any work. Some coffee grower organiations are attempting to coordianate both planters and labourers which is not succeeded yet. Thaluk thahasildar A.C.Chamu tried to re unite them which attemept has also failed.