This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Chhattisgarh Farmers Protest Against Land Acquisition Bill Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit

Chhattisgarh Farmers Protest Against Land Acquisition Bill Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit
An Indian farmer holds a bow and an arrow as he attends a gathering near the Indian parliament for a protest against the Land Acquisition Bill, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Indian farmers protested against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partyâs Land Acquisition Bill, calling it anti-farmer in a country where agriculture is the main livelihood for more than 60 percent of the 1.2 billion people. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
An Indian farmer holds a bow and an arrow as he attends a gathering near the Indian parliament for a protest against the Land Acquisition Bill, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Indian farmers protested against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partyâs Land Acquisition Bill, calling it anti-farmer in a country where agriculture is the main livelihood for more than 60 percent of the 1.2 billion people. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

DANTEWADA — Farmers in Dilmili village in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh staged protests against Land Acquisition Bill and construction of a mega steel plant on Friday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the site.

The farmers got together against the cause and complained that they were not consulted when their land was seized by the government.

Further, they felt that the construction of a mega plant and a new factory will strip them off their lands as well as their livelihood.

"Our 10 houses are under one person's name. So, all the 10 persons become homeless due to this. Even if employment is given, it will be given to just one person, that too an illiterate and the rest nine will be rendered homeless," said Ayaturam Mandawi, the sarpanch of Dilmili village.

The earlier development projects in the area have only added to their fears as they feel few of them will end up with menial jobs, while most will be left jobless and homeless.

"Our brothers and tribals in Nagarnar and Bastar are illiterate. They are given menial jobs like cooking, cleaning, sweeping, latrine cleaning and gate keeping, while outsiders do important works and travel in AC buses and live in AC rooms," said Devi Prasad Vanja, a farmer.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Dantewada village on May 9 to inaugurate two mega projects.

Contact HuffPost India

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.