Iran: People, Farmers in Farokhshahr Stage Protest Against Seizure of Agricultural Lands, Diversion of Karoun River’s Water

On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, a large number of people and farmers in Farokhshahr staged a gathering outside the Governor’s Office in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province to voice protest against the seizure of their agricultural lands by the regime’s agencies. These lands are the main source of livelihood for a large segment of the population in that region. The deprived farmers and residents also staged a protest against the regime plan to divert the Karoun River water in that region. They chanted, “We will die, but will not accept a compromise” and “Shame to our Energy Minister.”

The State Television acknowledged the protest and reported, “This afternoon, close to 3,000 people in Farokhshahr staged a protest against the plan to divert water, known as the “Behesht Abad” tunnel. Behesht Abad Plan is designed to transfer water from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province to Iran’s central plateau.”

The state-run news agency, ISNA, wrote, “According to documents of the ‘Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization,’ these lands are classified as being agricultural lands. But the Province’s Housing and Urban Development Department believes these lands belong to Mehr Housing Agency. Arrest warrants for eight farmers had been issued by the first branch of the prosecutor’s office.” This is clearly an organized act of theft and plunders by the regime.

As long as the mullahs’ criminal and corrupt regime, which has plundered and pilfered the Iranian people’s wealth and squandered them in unpatriotic terrorist projects and warmongering remains in power, poverty, unemployment, water shortage, and inflation will continue. Uprising and rebellion against the ruling religious fascism are the only ways to resolve the increasing economic and social problems and difficulties.

David Adams

Article URL : https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-statements/statement-iran-protest/iran-people-farmers-in-farokhshahr-stage-protest-against-seizure-of-agricultural-lands-diversion-of-karoun-rivers-water/