NAPM flays government move to restrict Thullur farmers

The State government’s decision to restrict farmers from raising the second crop in the proposed capital zone in Thullur mandal has evoked strong reactions from various quarters.

Close on the heels of a protest by farmers from the villages along Krishna river bank, resenting the decision, comes a scathing attack from the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM).

“The move is totally illegal, uncalled for and a serious threat to India’s food security. Are we living in a democracy or in an autocracy? The government has notified a vast area for a future capital city without any legal sanctity. The rulebook prohibits three activities on lands earmarked for such purposes—no fresh layouts should be drawn, no new constructions can be taken up, and no land transactions must take place. But, stopping farmers from farming in their own lands is ludicrous,” social activist M.G. Devasahayam said.

Need for master plan

Mr. Devasahayam, who led an National Alliance of People’s Movement fact-finding mission on land-pooling in Thullur, added that a major chunk of the land continued to be with farmers.

“Even those who have agreed to part with their land have only given an expression of interest,” he said.

“There are so many other formalities to be fulfilled. First of all, the master plan should be ready and approved. The government is carrying it too far,” he added.