Devanahalli farmers' protest: CM Siddaramaiah seeks 10 days to clarify government's stance on land acquisition
Farmers from 13 villages of Channarayapatna hobli in Devanahalli taluk are demanding shelving of acquisition of 1,777 acres of their lands for an aerospace park. They have been opposing the project for over 1,185 days.
Following the crucuial meeting, the Chief Minister's Office said that due to legal hurdles, the government would need more time to hold consultations with experts before taking a final call.
'Since the final notification was already issued in April, there is a need to discuss the pros and cons (of shelving the acquisition process). Therefore, the government will require a period of 10 days to arrive at a clear decision,' the CMO said in a statement.
'The government cannot take any actions contrary to the law. As the final notification has already been issued, there is a need to review its legal aspects. A preliminary meeting regarding this was held yesterday,' the statement added, referring to the marathon meeting held on July 3 by Mr. Siddaramaiah, Industries Minister M.B. Patil, and other officials.
'We believe in democracy and dialogue. We have not obstructed any protests. I have myself been part of the farmers' organisation, and even though protests are being held against us, we have not attempted to suppress them,' Mr. Siddaramaiah added.
The CM has called for another meeting in 10 days to finalise the government's position. With talks hitting a deadlock, farmers are likely to intensify their protests till July 15.
Earlier in the day, national leaders of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), including Rakesh Tikait, who are in Karnataka to meet the protesting farmers, addressed a State-level convention titled 'Save Our Lands' in support of farmers.
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