Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Sampat Kale, NCAS, Pune, 21 June, 2007

Since last eighteen months struggle is on in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Anti-land acquisition and Anti-SEZ committee has burnt the land acquisition notification on 21st June 2007, in front of the Special Land Acquisition Office at Pen in Raigad district. Approximately one thousand farmers participated in the agitation. The protest programme was organised by Peasants and Workers Party, Anti Special Economic Zone Committee of 24 Villages, Anti- Globalisation Forum, Maharashtra and other people’s organisations. This agitation was organised under the leadership of Mr. N.D Patil, Mr. Mohan Patil, Mr. Manav Kamble, Ms. Ulka Mahajan, Ms. Vaishali Patil, Ms. Surekha Dalvi, Mr. Ganesh Thakur, Mr. Dhariyasheel Patil and local anti land acquisition committee members. They expressed their strong opposition and feelings during this agitation. Aim of this agitation was to reject and express disapproval of government resolution, to make an appeal to the state government for stopping land acquisition process at the earliest. it also appealed farmers to strengthen local struggle non-violently. The protesters submitted their demands to government officer during the programme.

Last year on 9th June government issued section 4 (1) land acquisition notices to farmers of 45 villages of Pen, Uran and Penvel taluks of Raigad district government was supposed to issue the next notice within a year otherwise notice period will lapse, but government could not issue notices within that time. This year government issued notification on 19th, i.e., offer the period of one year was over it seems that ‘government is playing game against the farmers.’ said farmers. Until now people have exhausted all forms of agitations and meetings. They want some result immediately otherwise they will take Nandiram’s path in future, expressed some young farmers. Last year in June there were only 45 SEZs declared and few of them were notified and now it has gone up to 93 and most of them are notified. The farmers and workers were criticising the Chief Minister and Revenue Minister. ‘They themselves are not keeping their promises which they gave during the assembly sessions. They promised that ‘government will not take farmers land without their consent. There would not be any compulsory land acquisition,’ but they have created absolutely confusing situation in the state. Even Planning Commission of Maharashtra has criticised SEZ, saying that ‘government should rethink SEZ because it is not suitable for our country and will also create regional imbalances and revenue loss’. At this juncture the people have no confidence in present government. Thus, the anger and opposition among the farmers is increasing day by day.

Mr. N.D. Patil did request and appealed farmers with saying that,” the final victory will be ours but we will have to go slowly and non-violently, otherwise our one mistake will be a threaten our protest, during last year we have got the government’s attention and made them take few steps back but we will build up our strength and oppose government, we will also show our power in the next two years at the time of parliament and assembly elections”. Also he said that ‘if the government’ or company’ officers come to take your land then do not spare them. During his speech, he gave some instruction and strategies to farmers. He specially appealed women not to lose their stake on their lands.

Mr. Manav Kamble opened up the land grab chapter of Pune, Khed-Rajgurunagar, Maan, Lonawala and Karla. ‘All the politicians and builder lobby is involved in Jeemen Loot (land grab) in the name of development and growth. But, we will not keep quiet and watch their oppression on adivasi people their oppression will be opposed by people’s organisation’. Mr. Ganesh Thakur expressed the antagonism and feelings of youth and appeal to government to stop the land acquisition process otherwise we will show our Aagri Bheja (Aagari Anger), then only the government will be responsible for it. ‘Since last 18th months government is supporting SEZ companies and builders and using government’ facilities and instruments to oppress farmers struggle and to stop the agitations’, said Thakur. Ms. Ulka Mahajan also shared her angry feelings and talked about how this government is changing its colours and not giving justice to the people. Government had promised farmers Hetawane’s water but now they are not building canals because that water may be required for the companies and if the government provides water then they can’t acquire irrigated land people must get rights over water, she said. Finally, all have agreed on one thing,’ we will not give our mother land to any private company, whatever may happen’. Initially people were sweating but finally they received showers. But they keep hope and will cultivate land during this monsoon and save the bowl of rice.