Drought affected Jharkhand villagers seek permission to die

Jarda village (Jharkhand), Aug.17 (ANI): Faced with a severe drought following a poor monsoon, many villagers in Jharkhand are finding it hard to arrange for their livelihood and support their women and children.

In one such instance, villagers of the drought-affected Jarda Village have appealed to the Jharkhand Government to allow them permission to commit suicide.

In a letter addressed to the Governor M.O.H Farook, the villagers have demanded either to ensure basic facilites to live or give permission to end their lives.

"The situation in the village is worse. Nobody has food to eat, as the rations are finished now. Considering the worse situation of the village, all of us have decided to send a cooperative signed letter to the Governor of the State in which we have mentioned that either provide us food allowance or permit us to kill ourselves," said Yogainder Singh, one of the villagers.

This is the second consecutive year in which many areas of Jharkhand are reeling under drought-like conditions.

Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Officer of the region said the situation is being handled by the authorities, who have been instructed to provide the villagers with required facilities.

"The condition of drought is a matter of concern for the authorities. We are trying our level best for the same. The authorities have been given instructions for providing required facilities to the villagers, and some employment is also being introduced in the village soon. Most of the administrative bodies have been given instructions to look after the situation and do the needful, so that nobody will suffer and better job opportunities will be given to the victims," Sunil Kumar.

In Jharkhand, with the average rainfall this year being 50 percent less than normal, there are fears that a drought might precipitate a famine.By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)