Addressing a protest staged against “illegal implementation” of Bhadra Upper Canal Project on Thursday in the town, he said that the protests and struggles should not end with speeches and memoranda.
“Farmers should be united and they should raise voice against injustice,” he said.
He informed that State Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice S R Nayak will visit the region on April 16 to look at how taluk officials have resorted to forceful land acquisition from the farmers to make way for Bhadra Upper Canal Project.
He said that activist Medha Patkar too will stand by and support the farmers in their protest.
“If Bhadra Upper Canal Project is implemented, then the plight of the farmers will be pathetic. It is unfortunate that some farmers are not understanding the adverse affects of the project and they are forced to take part in the protests against faulty projects,” he said and added that once the project is implemented then farmers will not be in the position to speak about their problems because the Minister and elected representatives will never come to them.
He said that the Government which has been calling itself a ‘pro-farmer’ government has withdrawn subsidy on fertilisers and electricity, which is the proof for their concern for farmers. Assistant Commissioner Shashidhar Kurera speaking to the protesters said that Bhadra Upper Canal project is a State Government project and the land acquisition has been started as per the order from the Government.
“Notice has been issued to as many as 157 farmers holding 292 acres of land. My duty is to fix compensation for the land. The project has been started in the land acquired from the farmers as per their consent. I am in no way connected to land acquisition because KIADB is looking after the same,” he clarified. When former MLA B R Neelakantappa requested the Assistant Commissioner to see to it that no injustice is meted at the farmers, the AC allegedly responded rudely, which raged the protesters.
They staged a day-long protest and warned that they will continue the protest till the project is withdrawn.
Town Municipal Council Member M Narendra, former member T L Krishnamurthy, Shanboganahalli Ravi, Vasanth Kumar Shetty and others were present.