The Hindu : New Delhi News : Clash between farmers, forces imminent

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 04, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Clash between farmers, forces imminent

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

Indefinite dharna over appropriate compensation for acquired land

NEW DELHI: With the siege of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in North-West Delhi by farmers seeking higher compensation for land and review of the acquisition policies entering the 23rd day on Friday, a showdown between the security forces and the agitators appears imminent.

According to Jan Sangharsh Vahini convenor Bhupendra Singh Rawat, units of Rapid Action Force and other Central police forces have moved to the area and gradually replaced Delhi Police personnel, indicating that the Delhi Government now wants to end the agitation by force.

Mr. Rawat said the move had come hot on the heels of a Tis Hazari court order in which the Delhi Government was fined Rs.10,000 for its inability to deal with the situation.

As for the agitation, Mr. Rawat said a large number of farmers are sitting on an indefinite dharna at Kanjhawala since September 11 because the Government had not paid them appropriate compensation for acquired land. “The farmers were earlier demanding enhanced compensation, but now they are pressing for cancellation of the acquisition and restoration of their acquired land,” he said.

The issue pertaining to 1,400 acres in Kanjhawala, Sultanpur Dabas, Karala, Tikri Kalan, Pooth Khurd, Tikri khurd, Alipur, Bakoli and other villages began after the Delhi Government issued the notification for acquisition. Since the market value of the land was several times higher, the farmers have been pressing for “realistic” compensation along with a proper rehabilitation package.

Mr. Rawat said that strong-arm tactics by the Delhi Government would not scare the farmers.

The working president of Bharatiya Kisan Union, Naresh Dabas, said till the time the farmers get their just dues the agitation would continue. He also reiterated that, like in other parts of the country, the farmers of Delhi too would go to any extent to preserve their livelihood and honour.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi