A group of monkeys – clearly well versed in their social and political studies – have formed huge marauding gangs and have taken over crop production in several villages in India
A gang of ‘Marxist’ monkeys have seemingly taken over the means of crop production of several rural villages in India.
Ganderbal district residents in the north of the country are seeking urgent action against the growing monkey menace. The townspeople allege the animals have been damaging standing crops, entering residential areas and even scaring farmers from entering their premises.
“The monkeys from the nearby forest continue to damage crops, particularly maize. Despite informing the wildlife department, nothing has been done to stop this,” a group of Sumbal residents said.
According to the villagers the monkeys form huge gangs in nearby forests and then descend upon the crops, causing carnage.
The monkeys hit the villages’ ‘means of production’ – exactly what German theorist Karl Marx encouraged the proletariat to do in his writings.
Monkeys often display generous tendencies when dolling out food. Although they are selective with who they dish out the grub to, reports suggest they are more likely to share food with primates they know and respect.
It follows then, that they would hand out the food to the other ‘gang members’ that they robbed the crops alongside.
Farmers said repeated raids have caused significant losses, particularly to small growers who depend on their fields for food and income. They said the problem has become more frequent in villages located close to forest areas.
“The monkeys don’t spare any crop in our fields,” said Abdul Salam, a Sumbal resident, pointing to damaged maize plants. “They have destroyed our fruit crops too.”
It is also alleged the animals sometimes enter inhabited areas and attack people, which has created a fear among villagers.
“For a few years now, small farmers in these areas have faced an unusual threat from wildlife as forest habitats decline,” a local resident said.