Farmers protest in Delhi against farmland acquisition

Thousands of farmers from the countrys northern agricultural belt staged a protest here today demanding a review of the Governments land acquisition policy for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

New Delhi, Sept 12 : Thousands of farmers from the country's northern agricultural belt staged a protest here today demanding a review of the Government's land acquisition policy for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The farmers marched through the streets of the national capital, raising slogans and carrying banners to pressurise the Central Government to grant their demands.

They demand that either the Government should increase the prices of land acquired to set up SEZs or return their land.

"If there is a price-rise, therefore the prices of our lands should also rise. The lands were taken at a very cheap rate and we would pressurise the government to return our lands. We are determined that our demands be met," said Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Indian Farmers Union), Punjab.

The government regards SEZs as infrastructure projects, so that they attract subsidized loans and tax breaks.

In just a year, the Central Government approved nearly 400 Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and received proposals from State Governments for 304 more. All but 63 of the projects have been put on hold pending a ministerial review.

The zones, similar to operations in China and intended to boost growth and exports, have been criticised by farmers, non-governmental groups and political parties within and outside the ruling coalition.

ANI