Panchagramala row: Fast ends with call for ‘Chalo Amaravati’

Status quo should have been maintained: Aja Sarma

A 48-hour fast demanding a solution to the Panchagramala land issue ended on Monday morning at Simhachalam with agitators resolving to march to Amaravati on February 5.

Forum for Development of North Andhra, Samaikya Praja, and Rythu Samkshema Sangham members participated in the fast. FDNA secretary A. Aja Sarma and Sangham secretary T.V. Krishnam Raju and seven others took part.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University K.S. Chalam, who offered juice to the participants marking the conclusion of the fast, said the Simhachalam Devasthanam’s claimed ownership of the disputed land in the five villages had come to an end with the Estate Abolition Act.

Mr. Sarma said status quo should have been maintained as the case was sub-judice, but since the Devasthanam was reportedly taking up construction activity in the land, others too should be allowed to do the same.

Mr. Krishnam Raju demanded that the ryotwari pattas issued in 1996 be cancelled and the rights of people to land and houses be recognised.

The agitators called for a ‘Chalo Amaravati’ protest on February 5 to exert pressure on the government for a swift resolution of the issue.

Jana Sena Party Bhimunipatnam convener Oliver Das, YSRCP coordinator A.Venkata Rao, former corporator Botta Eswaramma and CITU city president R.K.S.V. Kumar participated.

‘CM’s promise not kept’

In a letter to CM Naidu, CPM State Secretary P. Madhu said Mr. Naidu’s promise of resolving the issue in 100 days, made after the first Cabinet meeting in Visakhapatnam, remained unfulfilled. Mr. Madhu criticised the government for not implementing recommendations of official panels.