Solve row over Inam land before Oct 31, says HDK

Former chief minister and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly H D Kumaraswamy has given an ultimatum till October 31, to the state government to solve row over Inam land in Kalasa hobli. 

Speaking at a public rally as a part of study tour, on Friday, he said “it was the mistake of the officials for not looking into the circular on 6777 acre reserve forest land issued way back in 1928. Inam landholders  are hard workers and not dacoits.” 

He urged the forest department officials not to evict Inam land holders. “It was H D Deve Gowda who had carried out national-level fight demanding the transfer of 17,000 hectare forest land to revenue department since 1995. If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister for Environment and Forest looks into the order, then can easily solve the row over the land,” he said. 

He said “UPA president Sonia Gandhi is opposed to amendment to the Forest Act. The State government which should have stood behind Inam land holders are silent on the issue.

Advocate General who should have given suggestion to the government is also silent.” 

No interest by officials

The officials have no interest to solve the problems faced by poor Inam land holders. The officials are trying to forcibly evict them, he charged. 

MLA B B Ningaiah said “the state government is in deep slubmer. If the government has will power, then they can come to the rescue of the land holders. However, the State government is not committed on the issue. To wake up the state government, a Bangalore Chalo padayatre will be held on November 1,” he said. 

Making reference to Thathkola, Saragodu and Kundur cases, JD(S) Chief Whip in the Assembly Madhu Bangarappa said “the Congress is known for evicting farmers. The row over Inam land can be solved only through people’s movement.” 

Inam land holders took out a procession in the main streets of Kalasa as a prelude the rally.