The anti-land acquisition committee gave the government one week for de-notification; without action, they’ll intensify protests, holding village meetings and mobilizing local leaders
Bengaluru
Even after two months, the Karnataka government has not issued an official order to cancel the land acquisition in 13 villages of Devanahalli taluk, including Channarayapatna. This delay has left the lives of local farmers uncertain and anxious.
On July 15, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had publicly announced that the state had dropped plans to acquire 1,777.2 acres of land for a Defense and Aerospace Park. This decision followed months of protests by farmers, supported by Samyukta Horata Karnataka and other organizations. But so far, there has been no written order from the government confirming this decision.
Farmer leader Karalli Srinivas said the confusion has only grown worse, as KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board) is still moving forward with the process to acquire 439 acres in two villages. Officials even called for a price-fixing meeting, which was postponed after opposition from the farmers’ committee.
“If the Chief Minister’s word cannot be trusted, then who should we believe?” asked one worried farmer. Many farmers now live in constant fear, unsure of what the future holds.
The anti-land acquisition committee has decided to give the government one more week to issue the de-notification order. If no action is taken, they are prepared to intensify their protest. Village-level meetings are already being held, and local leaders are working to strengthen their movement.
The farmers say they are ready for a larger and stronger struggle this time. They have urged the state government to act quickly, issue the promised de-notification, and keep the trust of the farming community. If not, a serious protest is likely to erupt again soon.
Following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement to abandon the land acquisition process involving Channarayapatna farmers, concerns and opposition arose when a meeting was held to fix the price for 439 acres in two villages within 50 days. Karalli Srinivas, office-bearer of the Land Acquisition Struggle Committee said, The meeting was later postponed, but the move has created further anxiety among farmers. They allege that the Industries Department, despite the CM’s assurance, is acting against their interests and attempting to suppress them. Farmers are demanding an official order to cancel the land acquisition, as promised by the CM. If not issued promptly, they warn that their protest will intensify further.