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This is an archive article published on January 5, 2011

Farmers now warn Nirma of satyagrah

The two-year-old agitation by Mahuva farmers against Nirma group’s proposed cement plant is about to turn into a satyagrah.

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The two-year-old agitation by Mahuva farmers against Nirma group’s proposed cement plant is about to turn into a satyagrah. The Sadbhavna Seva Samiti,led by BJP MLA Dr Kanu Kalsaria,has warned Nirma authorities that the farmers would take over the site in a non-violent protest if they do not halt work.

Over 2,000 farmers have filled up pratigya patra (resolution letters) affirming they are ready to be jailed to save the land if the government closes all doors for negotiations and forces them to break the law. “Notice has been sent to Nirma. We request them to stop work on the site and abandon the land. Or else,farmers are set for a satyagrah,” said Kalsaria,who began agitation against the proposed Rs 1,000-crore cement plant in 2008.

His group Sadbhava Seva Samiti,with support from Congress,captured Mahuva Taluka Panchayat during the recent local bodies polls.

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Kalsaria said the protest will be non-violent. “However,we are ready to break our bones or go to jail to save the land.”

The pratigya patra says: “Doors for talks and discussions have been closed on us. Now,satyagrah is the only way for us.”

Started in April 2008,the agitation has steadily grown as farmers from surrounding 10 villages,social activist like Chuni Kaka and even Congress,following cue from Rahul Gandhi,extended support.

The battle is also being fought in courts. After the Gujarat High Court gave its verdict in favour of Nirma,Sadbhava Seva Samiti has moved the Supreme Court.

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Kalsaria said with the state government allotting 168 hectares,including a water body,to Nirma,there is no open land left in Samabhiyala village. “No gauchar,no wasteland,not even a plot to construct a house is now available at Samabhiyala,” he said.

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