Starting with its agitation against the public hearings conducted for Adani Power’s thermal plant at Godda, the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) has found another issue relevant for the Santhal belt.
The party under the leadership of its general secretary Pradeep Yadav observed a day’s fast for the farmers hit by a spell of hailstorm on Wednesday. “The hailstorm has hit the entire area last week that has ruined the rabi crops of the farmers completely. The situation is particularly bad in the north western part of Poraiyahaat block. But the compensation announced by the Government is petty under the relief measures for disaster management,” said the legislator.
The party highlighting the issue and also the damage caused to the houses of the locals has written a letter addressed to Chief Minister Raghubar Das. “I think the magnitude of the disaster is so that the Chief Minister himself should take interest. At least `50,000 per acre should be paid as compensation to the farmers along with damages done to their houses. We have demanded for relaxing norms set under the Disaster Management relief fund and waiver of farm loans,” added Yadav.
This is the second sit in by the leader in the area in no time since a big demonstration by the party had taken place following the public hearing conducted by the district authorities for the 1600 MW power plant proposed. leaders in the party primarily justify the programmes but at the same time also admit that the protests are to keep the JVM relevant in the eyes of the people.
“There are so many issues in the area where people are not getting fair prices for their land acquired the company. Their consents are being taken forcefully by the uses of blatant force. Now this natural disaster has taken place. But no other political party has shown any interest in raising the voice of the common people, barring the JVM,” said party vice president Saba Ahmed who at the same time referred to the bye election due at littipara constituency that comes under the greater Santhal Pargana belt.
“The party gets representation from the area and is also looking forward to not only maintain it but also spread it in future. JVM is with the voice of the people and have been raising issues related to land acquisition, displacement etc. This would certainly have some bearings on the future polls,” said Ahmed.
The JVM office bearers have also planned few more similar protests in the area in the days to come to keep the memory fresh of the locals under its banner. “We are not going to leave this. The Government would have to listen to the plight of the farmers and people. We have also submitted a memorandum to the district administration,” said Pradeep Yadav.