SKM Criticizes Police Action on Farmers’ Protest in Nuh

Fast Summary

• The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), representing farmers’ unions, protested against police action at Industrial Model Township (IMT) in Rozka Meo, nuh district, Haryana.
• Farmers from nine villages want enhanced compensation for over 1,600 acres of land acquired in 2010 by Haryana State industrial adn Infrastructure Growth Corporation (HSIIDC).
• Compensation was initially ₹25 lakh/acre but later raised to ₹46 lakh/acre after protests. Farmers claim they have only received ₹21 lakh/acre of the enhanced amount.
• Additional grievances include alleged coercion into signing no-litigation agreements and demands for legal recourse.
• Nuh police arrested 10 individuals in recent months following complaints from HSIIDC regarding obstruction to construction work; prohibitory orders under section 163 were imposed to prevent gatherings.
• SKM leaders condemned nighttime police raids during which tents and equipment were confiscated. Villagers allege firing into the air by police during these operations.
• District administration has suggested discussing feasible demands like jobs, skill centers for youth, and Rehabilitation Policy benefits but ruled out fulfilling all claims. They warn legal action if law violations persist.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing agitation highlights the complexities surrounding land acquisition disputes in India-specifically concerns over fair compensation and adequate rehabilitation mechanisms for affected communities. While efforts by the district administration to negotiate some relief measures are steps toward resolution, unresolved compensation payments risk fueling distrust between farmers and authorities.

The allegations of coercion into signing no-litigation agreements raise questions about openness in such processes, pointing to a need for judicial oversight or more robust safeguards for marginalized populations during land acquisitions. The escalating tension-wiht nighttime raids and prohibitory orders-underscores challenges policymakers face balancing development goals with community rights.

For India at large, this is another example demonstrating the necessity of revisiting policies around land acquisition and fostering dialog-based solutions that respect local concerns while maintaining developmental priorities.Read more