Farmers Movement Archive

Demands not met for 7 years, farmers protest

Gurgaon: Hundreds of farmers and residents of nine villages staged a protest at a construction site in IMT Sohna in Nuh on Friday. Backed by members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), the protesters accused the government of not meeting their demands despite repeated promises. The villagers said that in 2015, they had reached a 10-point agreement with the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) after giving up their land years earlier.“The government had agreed to undertake a slew of development work while acquiring our land. They had promised to provide water supply, electricity, jobs, a school, a nursing college, crematoriums, etc. It has been seven years since these promises were made. But none have been fulfilled so far,” said one of the protesters, Abrar Khan. The farmers threatened to intensify the agitation if their demands were not met soon.Sub-divisional magistrate Saloni Sharma visited the site to pacify the villagers. A team of 13 farmers then met the DC, Shakti Singh, at the district collectorate. “We have temporarily suspended our protest. But if the demands are delayed again, we will launch a massive agitation here,” said Ravi Azad, a BKU youth leader.In 2009-10, 1,600 acres had been acquired by HSIIDC for developing an industrial model township. After the initial transfer of compensation by the administration, the farmers from nine villages in the vicinity had protested against the low rate being offered to them.“They think we are ignorant. Had the land been acquired in Gurgaon, all demands would have been met. But since this is Nuh, they think they can scuttle our voices,” said Khan.“We are looking into their demands and have assured them all help. We are also looking to provide jobs to local youths,” Singh said.

The Times of India

2022-01-29

Gurgaon