High Court advocate B. Rachana Reddy, who has been arguing cases in courts in favour of land oustess across Telangana, said the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act - 2016 (Telangana Amendment) was nothing but a copy of G.O. 123.
“The same provisions like voluntary acquisition of land and no social impact assessment were included in the LA Act - 2016. It is full of oxymoron. It is non-transparent. Even though the Act was notified, it could not be implemented,” said Ms. Rachana Reddy while addressing a gathering of farmers at Vemulaghat on Sunday.
The farmers observed protest for the 365th consecutive day in the village near panchayat office demanding implementation of L.A. Act -2013. Large number of women from the village participated in the protest from morning and they did not moved even for lunch hearing the speakers and encouraging and appreciating them for the prolonged struggle.
Ms. Rachana said that LA Act -2016 can be challenged in the court of law even after the consent was given by President of India as it was nothing but a constitutional procedure.
Cong. extends support
Former deputy chief minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha and former Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao extended their support for the ongoing agitation demanding that the Government implement LA Act -2013. “We are fighting to do justice for the oustees and that was why forced to approach the courts,” said Mr. Rajanarasimha.
Telangana JAC leader Kodandaram said that Vemulaghat had created a history by holding prolonged protests for one year and it was an inspiration for land oustess across the State.
Sarpanchula Ikya Vedika president Andol Krishna wondered why the five 10 tmcft reservoirs could not be constructed in five districts for irrigation instead of 51 tmcft reservoir at one place. He said that the panchayats have every right to oppose any project and it was binding on the Government to respect the panchayat resolution.
Retired justice Chandrakumar, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) vice-president S. Malla Reddy, Praja Telangana leader Gade Innaiah and others participated in the programme.
