Madurai, Tamil Nadu: A stir was created at the Usilampatti Taluk Office near Madurai when an elderly woman staged a protest by lying down with a sleeping mat and pillow. She was demanding action to remove encroachments—specifically barbed-wire fencing—erected by neighbors on the public pathway near her home, which had rendered the path unusable for about seven years. She also alleged a lack of basic amenities, such as drinking water supply and drainage facilities. It is reported that despite lodging multiple complaints with officials, including the Tahsildar and the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), no action had been taken. Consequently, the elderly woman—Maniyammal (68), wife of Dharmar from Peyampatti village in Pappapatti Panchayat—arrived at the Usilampatti Taluk Office with her bedding and staged a sit-in protest, blocking entry to the office for approximately two hours. Upon learning of the situation, Usilampatti town police and Taluk Office officials held talks with her; the protest was called off after they assured her that appropriate action would be taken.
Our Citizen Reporter – Madurai
Mr. Ravi
