Massive farmer protests were reported outside the district collectorate office Kamareddy town, Telangana, as they raise objections against the proposed draft of the city’s ‘master plan’.
The protest followed the arrest of the Telangana BJP chief and other party workers as they tried to create a ruckus outside the collectorate office
The farmers also tried to enter the collectorate resulting in an altercation with the police on Friday, ANI reported.
BJP MP Arvind, who was on his way to stand by the protests, was also stopped by the police.
State Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, IT and Industries Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao said, “There is a protest in Kamareddy claiming that some 500 acres of land have fallen in the industrial zone. I request the municipal commissioners that our government does not want to create problems for anyone.”
“We are here to help people, and ensure structured and planned development of the city and towns in Telangana. We have made master plans as part of this. I have never said that master plans should be against the people, it should always be in favour of the people,” he said.
He said that this is just an initial draft.
“If the people have any issues, they should talk to the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP). We have a democratic process to make necessary changes. If public representatives or citizens have any objection about the draft, the issues can be discussed and resolved,” he said.
Later, police booked BJP state chief Bandi Sanjay in connection with the incidents that took place during protest by farmers against municipal masterplan to acquire land for industrial zone.
Police have registered the case under non-bailable sections against Sanjay and eight others who had joined the protest by the farmers at Kamareddy district collectorate.
A case under Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act and section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) against Sanjay, K. Vnekataramna Reddy, E. Ravinder Reddy and others was registered at Devanpalli police station.
Kamareddy Superintendent of Police B. Srinivas said investigations were on. He said some people were trying to instigate farmers, IANS reported.
Sanjay and others were arrested by the police near the collectorate on Friday night. The BJP workers and some farmers tried to barge into the collectorate, leading to an altercation with police.
The state BJP president and others had reached the collectorate by removing police barricades. Their supporters also resisted the arrest. The police shifted Sanjay to Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, farmers who have been protesting against the master plan have approached the Telangana High Court. The farmers have filed a petition, challenging the inclusion of agricultural lands in the industrial zone in the draft master plan.
The farmers intensified their protest three days ago after a farmer committed suicide due to fear of losing his two-acre land for the proposed industrial zone, the report said.
Free Press Kashmir is now on Telegram. Click here to Join.
FPK Android App for 2G. Click here to Download.
