For some villagers, it was a long journey they had started exactly two years ago on June 5, 2016. They do not know for how long they have to protest . However, they are hopeful of getting their demand implemented - the Right to Fair Compensation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act – 2013 (LA Act -2013).
Demanding the implementation of the LA Act-2013, several villages under the Mallannasagar reservoir spread under both Kondapaka, falling under Gajwel constituency, and Toguta mandal under Dubbak constituency, being represented by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and S. Ramalinga Reddy respectively, launched agitations. Villagers of Etitgadda Kishtapur led the agitation and championed the cause.
Unable to face pressure mounted by different sections, including the ruling party leaders, police and officials, farmers of all Erravalli and Singaram villages in Gajwel constituency and Etigaddakishtapur and Pallepahad in Dubbak constituency sold their lands to the government under GO 123, while farmers of only Vemulaghat village continued their fight relentlessly. However, some farmers had already sold their land while the remaining ones are continuing their fight.
Before participating in the relay fast on Monday, many farmers offered prayers at the temple of Goddess Mysamma adjacent to the tent where they are holding the protest. The villagers demanded implementation of R&R package.
“We are not against the construction of Mallannasagar reservoir. What we are demanding is compensation as per LA Act- 2013. Before finalising the land rates, they need to be revised, as the process did not take place for the past four years. As we are losing our lands, the government has to provide us livelihood,” said Hayatuddin, one of the farmers.
Y. Srinivas Reddy, another farmer, said that they would continue their fight for justice and has lodged a complaint against officials to the Chief Secretary and others.
