Karnataka: Homeless people stage protest for land reforms and residential plots

Bengaluru: Holding banners and flags and shouting slogans, hundreds of farmers from various parts of the state have been protesting since June 15, demanding cultivable lands for the landless people and residential plots for the homeless.

The protest is led by Bhoomi Mattu Vasati Hakku Vanchitara Horata Samiti, an umbrella organisation of different organisations and individuals.

“This is part of the third round of struggle for land reforms with over 300 people taking part in the protest each day from various districts. Similar protests were held in April 2014 and in August 2016 during the birth centennial celebrations of former chief minister Devaraj Urs, who is particularly remembered for his land reforms,” said Sirimane Nagaraj of the samiti.

The earlier protests were called off after chief minister Siddaramaiah promised them that he would look into the matter.

Their main demand was to establish a high-powered committee to look into all issues concerning land, with representatives from the affected people in the committee. The other demands were legal papers for the lands taken away by the government and handed over to the forest department and withdrawal of all cases against the agitators.

The nine-day protest seems to have achieved partial success, as the state government has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court to release around 5 lakh acres of land for the homeless people for habitation and for agricultural purposes. The demand for legal papers and withdrawal of cases against protesters has been accepted by the government. But the protesters are still waiting for the high-powered committee.

The government has called for a meeting on June 26 to look into the same in the presence of the chief minister, revenue minister and five representatives from the committee.