Former Cumbum Valley Farmers’ Association president K.M. Abbas, 94, passed away at his residence here on Monday.
Known for his active role in establishing the rights of the farmers in Tamil Nadu and particularly on the issues on the Mullaperiyar dam water storage level for over three decades, he spearheaded many demonstrations.
Apart from drawing the attention of the government, Abbas played a significant role in bringing the five districts’ farmers together, who were benefited by the Mullaperiyar water.
An association in the name of Five Southern Districts Farmers’ Association was established, for which Abbas was the president. He was also involved in the Jamaat committee in Cumbum and had been responsible for several developments.
He had also authored books on Mullaperiyar dam and about Col. Pennicuick, the architect who built the dam.
Many farmers and associations from different parts of Tamil Nadu condoled the death of Abbas and hailed his yeomen services.
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko paid his last respects and recalled his long association with Abbas. “Whenever, there was any development on the Mullaperiyar dam row, Abbas will convey to me first,” Mr Vaiko said.
TVK Cumbum MLA Jaganath Misra, farmer associations’ office-bearers Manoharan, Ranjith Kumar and many others paid their respects.
Published - October 26, 2026 09:10 pm IST