Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: A delegation of farmers from Chatha led by Taranjit Singh Tony, senior AAP leader and DDC Suchetgarh Member here today met Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar.
The delegation raised the issue of alleged forcible acquisition of land of poor farmers of Chatha area by SKUAST-Jammu.
The delegation comprised of Sarpanch Avtar Singh, Bal Krishan, Ashok Bhagat, Naib Sarpanch Bhadur Lal, Darbari Lal, Hans Raj and others.
Darbari Lal and Hans Raj, who are pursuing the case of Chatha farmers, told the Divisional Commissioner that High Court has already directed for proper compensation with 6 per cent interest to the affected farmers but the government is showing indifferent attitude towards farmers who don’t have any other land for their survival.
Tony claimed that it is duty of the government to provide suitable accommodation if it displaces a person by acquiring his land for any project.
He lamented the indifferent attitude of authorities towards poor farmers and asserted that it will not be tolerated at any cost.
He urged the government to pay due and adequate compensation to the affected farmers along with interest besides providing them land in place of the acquired land.
The DDC Member said that this will have to be decided before the acquisition of land of poor farmers.
He threatened protest if SKUAST and Civil Administration fail to follow High Court orders in letter and spirit.
The Divisional Commissioner assured that full justice will be done with farmers and that he would look into the matter so that no forcible acquisition of land is undertaken unless the just demands of farmers are not met.