Farmers displaced by Kakinada Special Economic Zone plan to launch fresh protest

Kakinada: The agitation by those displaced by the Kakinada Special Economic Zone has started afresh. Farmers whose lands have been appropriated for the KSEZ have already been agitating against the KSEZ and have taken the state government and the management of KSEZ to court. Now, others who have been displaced have launched an agitation, demanding that the rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package be properly implemented.

They allege that the authorities have cheated them and not given them the R&R package agreed upon. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is supporting them.

According to sources, KSEZ authorities have constructed rehabilitation colonies for the people of Buchireddypalem, Gorsapalem, Ramaraghavapuram and other villages. “The houses have been constructed by the authorities for only a few displaced persons. Nearly 200 families are suffering due to lack of houses in the area. The KSEZ authorities or the state government should construct houses for everyone who has completed 18 years of age, provide Rs 5 lakh per family as compensation, and also give them employment,” says P. Subbu Reddy, who is demanding justice for himself and his fellow villagers.

The rehabilitation colonies must accommodate everyone, the displaced people are demanding. “Suppose there is a father and two sons in the family. The officials have provided only for the father. They have neglected the sons, though they are eligible,” said one of the protesters.

The CPM district secretary, Duvva Seshubabji, said that the displaced persons are being cheated in the matter of the R&R package and the CPM will fight for justice for them. He has demanded that the government implement the R&R package under the New Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act 2013.