Farmers fume at secrecy surrounding acquisition

Land losers suspect govt is suppressing information

He looks suspiciously at everyone who comes to his field. His first reaction to them is a rude stare, and some times, harsh words. His only question is “What purpose the Government wants to take away my land”
Lalsab’s reaction aptly reflects the opinion of the remaining 189 farmers of Mevundi and Baradur villages in the district, whose land the government is planning to acquire for industries. The KIADB has already served notices on them to acquire a total of 1,000 acre of land. Strangely enough, none of the farmers have a complete information on the purpose of land acquisition.
Groping in dark
“Politicians come and ask me to part with my land. Who is buying it or why are they buying? No one is talking about these issues. This (land) is the only source of livelihood for me and my eight-member family. I will protect it at any cost,” says Lalsab, raising the sickle in his hand.
Iranna Sajjanar, on whom the KIADB has served notice to acquire his seven acres of land, says the Government has kept farmers in dark about the acquisition since beginning. Except the notice, farmers know nothing.
 “What I suspect is the factory which will come up here may be a major industry and that will have a disastrous impact on the environment and our life. Hence the government may be suppressing the information.”
Sajjanar says his land is fertile and he has been growing onion, groundnut and sunflower and leading a happy life with wife, three children and mother. “Our land is not barren as claimed by the Government. We will be benefitted by the Singatalur Lift Irrigation Project. The Irrigation Department has already dug trenches in our fields for constructing sub-canals to supply water under the project. Why can’t the Government disclose the information to the public? Why the Government is not making public the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the industries” Sajjanar questions.

Chanappa Alur, Devappa Hanamappa Chungi echo the views. 
Dalit families own about 150 acres in the area notified for acquisition. Dalit leader Somanna Hitapur uses bit harsh words to express his anguish against the government for not giving any information. 
“First you give us information. Hold gram sabhas and discuss the whole issue thoroughly. We will tell you what is our opinion.”
Manju and Sharanappa brothers, who own 52 acres in the notified area, are also of the same opinion. They say they would not sell their land for any amount of compensation as the government is ‘trying to cheat and displace’ them by keeping them in dark about the acquisition.