In village after village in Uttar Pradesh, the issue of stray cattle destroying crops has become a pressing concern, catching the attention of PM Modi. In one Sitapur village, a group of villagers are fighting back using torches, lathis, warm clothing, fire, and anger.
At 6:30 pm on a Thursday in Mangopur village of Sitapur district, Ram Kishore anxiously waits as the sun sets. He worries about the untended fields and the threat of animals ruining the crops.
Ram Kishore and his wife, Suman, share a modest two-room thatched house with their three children. Their livelihood depends on the land, and they are concerned about their crops of wheat, mustard, and pulses.
As darkness falls over the village, men prepare to protect their fields using torchlights, lathis, warm clothing, and fire. The problem of stray cattle has escalated in UP since the government tightened restrictions on slaughterhouses in 2017.
The villagers are determined to protect their crops from the threat of stray cattle, as they have already suffered significant losses. They are prepared to stay awake through the night to guard their fields.
The group of villagers, armed with lathis, position themselves strategically to guard the fields and prevent the cattle from causing further damage.
The men face a constant battle against the stray cattle, which have already destroyed some of their crops. Despite their efforts, protecting all the fields proves to be challenging.
The villagers discuss the impact of the stray cattle issue on the upcoming elections, expressing their concerns and frustration with the government’s handling of the problem.
As the night progresses, the men remain vigilant, keeping a close watch on their fields and engaging in conversations about the challenges they face.
The villagers express their disappointment with the government’s efforts to address the issue of stray cattle, highlighting the need for practical solutions to protect their livelihoods.
By the early hours of the morning, the villagers return home, exhausted and worried about the potential damage to their crops. Despite their efforts, the threat of stray cattle continues to loom over their lives.
Asad Rehman, a reporter based in Lucknow, covers the ongoing struggles of the villagers in Sitapur district.
