Land seizure alleged in Trident deal

Society in the villages of Fatehgarh Chhanna, Dhaula, and Sangherra has now become matriarchal, because most male members (whose lands have been acquired by the Punjab government for the Trident group's expansion plans) are absconding, fearing arrest.

It is believed the leaders and activists of various farmer associations have gone underground to avoid arrest. The activists have announced that they would go on dharna at the site on Friday, where thousands of farmers are expected to participate.

At present, 1,500-2,000 CISF jawans are deployed to prevent untoward incidents in the villages, outside the Abhisek Industries unit, a subsidiary of the Trident group, and also at the site where the new unit is coming up (besides the existing premises).

In November last year, farmers protested by sowing wheat on their land and on January 31, at least 30 farmers were hurt in clashes with the police.

In other words, farmers' protest is on--going to jails, blocking rail and road traffic, besides taking out protest marches and organising demonstrations and dharnas throughout the state--to get their lands back.

Protests began in April last year. Eight farmer associations took part: the Association of Punjab Kisan Sangharsh, Punjab Kisan Union, Punjab Kisan Sabha, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Kranti Kari), Jambhoori Kisan Sabha, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), Bhartiya Kisan Union (Sidhupur) and Kisan Vikas Front.

The government has acquired 103 acres in Dhaula village, 217 acres in Fatehgarh Chhanna village, and 56 acres in Sangherra village. This has stopped the further acquisition of land by the government for its mega projects in the state.

At present, the entire land is in the possession of the Trident Group. The company has raised a high boundary wall around the acquired land to prevent the entry of the activists and members of farmer organisations like the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), which is playing a prominent role to help the farmers.

It is expected that at least 100 farmers would be affected by this move of the company, as only 30 families have agreed to offer land.

The company is planning to set up a spinning unit, a readymade garment unit, a sugar mill, a paper mill and a power generation unit.

Most of the farmers whose land has been acquired are marginal and small farmers.

Farming is their only source of livelihood. Speaking to Business Standard, a farmer said, "None of the political parties has helped up. We don't have any faith in them. We don't want to part with our land."

However, some villagers say that the price offered by the company is meagre and hence they are averse to selling.