A farmer in Andhra Pradesh’s Undavalli died allegedly due to the stress of the land pooling process. He was in trouble after CRDA had issued a notice for his fertile land. The incident has increased concern among the farmers of the area.
Undavalli (Andhra Pradesh) [भारत]July 13 (ANI): A tragic incident came to light in Undavalli, when farmer Guntaka Padma Reddy died suddenly. It is alleged that he was under severe mental stress for several days regarding the land pooling process of the government. His death has raised new concerns about the impact of the ongoing land acquisition process on farming families in the capital region.
According to a press release, Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) officials had issued a notice for the acquisition of 1.40 acres of fertile agricultural land of Padma Reddy for the Capital Region Project. It is being told that he was very worried due to the fear of losing the land which was supporting his family for years. The incident has raised concerns among farmers in Undavalli, many of whom are worried about the future of their land and livelihood.
YSRCP demands humanitarian approach
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders reached the residence of Padma Reddy, paid their last respects and expressed solidarity with his bereaved family. The party said the incident reflects the emotional and financial burden on small and marginal farmers affected by the land pooling process.
According to the release, YSRCP Mangalagiri assembly constituency in-charge Donthireddy Vema Reddy said farmers are not against the development of the capital city. However, they demanded that the government provide equivalent agricultural land in the nearby area in exchange for the land being acquired, rather than snatch away fertile fields without a practical alternative. He said Padma Reddy’s death should be a warning to the government to adopt a humane, compassionate and farmer-friendly approach.
‘Gross abuse of power’
The development comes after the YSRCP criticized the Andhra Pradesh government’s action against farmers in Undavalli this morning, alleging abuse of power and contempt for the rule of law. In a statement, YSRCP national spokesperson Karthik Yellapragada said the Chandrababu Naidu-led government deployed more than 100 police personnel and bulldozers against 11 marginal farmer families in Undavalli.
“The deployment of over 100 police personnel and bulldozers by the Chandrababu Naidu government against 11 marginal farmer families in Undavalli is a gross abuse of power,” the statement said. The spokesperson further said, “Destroying standing crops when the land acquisition case is pending before the High Court shows complete contempt for the rule of law. Using weekend raids and unjust compensation to force out small farmers is unacceptable.” The party further said that it stands strongly with the affected farmers and will continue to oppose the “undemocratic dictatorship” until justice is delivered. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)