Patna: More than 2,000 farmers marched in Patna on Monday, accusing the government of forcibly acquiring their land without fair compensation. The protest, organised by the United Kisan Morcha and led by Buxar MP and farmer leader Sudhakar Singh, was halted by police at the Dakbunglow intersection.
Farmers had planned to march from Buddha Park to the chief minister’s residence via Patna Junction, but were stopped by barricades. Witnesses said farmers tried to break through as police deployed heavy forces and water cannon vehicles. Roads leading from Patna Junction to Dakbungla were sealed off.
An 11-member delegation of farmers was later taken to meet the chief secretary to present their demands.
Leaders of the United Kisan Morcha allege that the state is acquiring farmland for infrastructure projects at outdated rates. “Compensation for land acquisition is still being given at the 2014 rate, whereas farmers should be paid at the current market rate of 2025,” said Ram Pravesh Yadav, the organisation’s president. “This is direct injustice. The government must use today’s rates in the acquisition process.”
The farmers are opposing land acquisition under the Bharatmala project, a central government scheme to construct a high-quality road linking Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kolkata via Ranchi in Jharkhand. Thousands of acres in Buxar district are being acquired, according to protest organisers. Farmers have also raised objections to a proposed power plant in Chausa, Buxar.
While the government says the Bharatmala project is aimed at boosting economic activity and connectivity, farmers argue it threatens their livelihoods. “For us this is not development, but a crisis,” said one protester.
