Landowners affected by the Ring Road and the 440 KV transmission line projects on Sunday joined hands to fight together against what they said the “forcible land acquisition” by the government.
The executive committee of landowners’ welfare committee met in Srinagar today and decided to launch a state-wide agitation against the “forcible land acquisition”.
They demanded enactment of a new land acquisition law or ordinance in J&K to give them adequate compensation.
They appealed to the Governor J&K for enacting an ordinance giving fair compensation to the landowners for the land acquired by the government for construction of “new highway and laying of 440 KV transmission line”.
They however added that both these projects are “disastrous” for the environment. “The government claims it is compulsory acquisition, if that is so, then in that case the authorities must compensate farmers adequately,” said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat RTI activist and convener of the committee.
“Govt of India pays fair compensation to affected farmers in states other than J&K under Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency under Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (RFCTLARR Act 2013). As this law is not applicable in J&K, it is the duty of the government to give us similar treatment because land acquired by NHAI in J&K particularly in Kashmir valley is much fertile than in states like MP, Rajasthan, Bihar,” said G A Paul President of the Land Owners Welfare Committee.
The farmers said if the government does not address their demands, “we will be again forced to come on roads from Saturday, November 17.”
The meeting was attended by a large number of affected farmers from Pulwama , Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Bandipora districts.