Farmers stage protest over land acquisition, reparation
PATNA, Aug. 26 -- Thousands of farmers carrying banners and posters of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) staged a protest at the Dakbungalow intersection in Patna on Monday while marching towards the residence of chief minister Nitish Kumar, demanding justice in land acquisition, proper compensation to those whose lands are procured and withdrawal of cases filed against farmers.
The protest was led by RJD MP from Buxar and farmer leader Sudhakar Singh.
The SKM march began from Buddha Park and moved towards the high-security zone, but police stopped the protesters at Dakbungalow by erecting barricades.
In view of the tense situation, Patna police deployed heavy forces and arranged water cannons. The stretch between Patna Junction and Dakbungalow remained completely chaotic during the protest.
The farmers raised demands including justice in land acquisition, fair and proper compensation for those affected by the NH-119 National Greenfield Bharatmala project, assurance on crop-related issues, and withdrawal of cases lodged against farmers. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, approved by the central government in 2017, aims to build high-quality road corridors to improve logistics efficiency and connectivity.
The SKM alleged that the government was forcibly acquiring land and offering compensation at outdated rates. "Compensation is being given for land acquisition at the rate of 2014, whereas in 2025 the market value has increased manifold. This is direct injustice to farmers," SKM president Ram Pravesh Yadav said, demanding compensation as per the current market rate.
Protesting farmers threatened to continue the agitation until their rights and fair compensation were ensured.
They particularly opposed the Bharatmala project, under which a high-speed road is being built from Varanasi to Kolkata via Ranchi, also passing through Buxar district. Farmers alleged that land belonging to thousands of families was being taken without adequate compensation.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana, according to the Centre, is aimed at improving connectivity, including to tribal, aspirational, and Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts, while reducing accidents and cutting travel time between major economic centres.
A protester said they were waiting for the government to initiate talks. "Either the government should call us for dialogue or allow us to meet officials. We are here for talks. We are not Naxalites or terrorists. What problem does the government have in talking to us?" he asked....
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