Tsunami affected farmers and MP meet Prime Minister in New Delhi
Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, May 18: “Why Government wants farmers’ land in lieu of compensation?” was the first question asked by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh when a delegation of tsunami affected farmers highlighted their problems infront of the Prime Minister.
The 10 member delegation of tsunami affected farmers of South Andaman andCampbellBay, headed by the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, today called on the Prime Minister of India in Prime Minister’s Office at12.15 noon.
The farmers submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and demanded immediate intervention of the Prime Minister.
“The Prime Minister gave a patient hearing and said that he will immediately send our case to the Home Minister. He said that he doesn’t have any information regarding acquisition of farmers’ land in lieu of Compensation. The Prime Minister has also assured us that the land will not be taken from the farmers in lieu of compensation amount,” Rajesh Kumar Lall, the General Secretary of Gram Vikas Samity told Andaman Sheekha today.
According to Mr. Lall, Dr. Singh told that there is no such rule or provision, to claim land of the farmers in lieu of the so called compensation.
“He said that in the case of unfortunate natural tragedy like Tsunami, the Govt., gives compensation, and does not ask the farmers to surrender their land in return. Expressing his anguish, he said that knowing all these rules and Provisions, why the LG has not communicated the true picture of theIslandsto the Centre?,” a release from MP office said here today.
Earlier, in the morning the delegation met Cabinet Minister Mr. Salman Khursheed and explained him, the insensitivity on the part of the Administration, shown during their day long Dharana Pradarshan on 14th May,2012, insupport of their demands. After hearing Mr. Khursheed said that this is very unfortunate that poor farmers are still struggling for their rights.
He assured that he will talk to the Home Minister Mr. P.Chitambaram and will request him not to acquire land in lieu of the compensation which is to be given.
The Delegation also met Mr. P.L.Punia, Chairperson National Commission for schedule Caste, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, and Mr. L K Advani, Senior BJP leaders today.
