Clashes Between Farmers and Police in Gurdaspur Over Expressway Land Acquisition Leave Seven Injured. Farmers allege forceful land acquisition without prior notice and inadequate compensation.
Punjab News: A major clash erupted in Gurdaspur, Punjab on Tuesday between farmers and police protesting against the forceful acquisition of land for an expressway. Seven farmers were injured in the ensuing violence. Farmers allege that the administration is attempting to seize their land without prior notice and without providing adequate compensation.
Farmers' Protest Against Delhi-Katara Expressway
The controversy surrounding land acquisition for the Delhi-Katara Expressway in Gurdaspur is escalating. On Tuesday, when the administration arrived to seize the land, farmers protested, leading to a clash with the police. Farmers alleged they received neither prior notice nor adequate compensation. Seven farmers were injured during the protest.
Farmers Accuse Administration of Forcible Land Acquisition
Protesting farmers claim the administration is forcibly seizing their land and that the compensation offered is significantly below market value. They warned of intensifying their protests if their demands are not met.
Earlier Farmer Protest in Chandigarh
It is noteworthy that a similar clash between farmers and police occurred in Chandigarh on March 5th. Farmer organizations protested against the Punjab government. Farmers marched towards Chandigarh to voice their demands, but were stopped by police. Several farmer leaders were detained, while others staged sit-ins on the roads.
Farmers' Demands: From Loan Waiver to Halt on Land Acquisition
Key demands of the farmers include:
Enactment of a concrete law for loan settlement.
Ensuring canal water reaches every field.
Prompt payment of arrears to sugarcane farmers.
Halting the forcible land acquisition under the Bharatmala project.
