For 38-year old Tajuddin Lal, the tall promises of “Paribortan” (change) promised by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government fell apart on Friday.
He was one of those 2,000-odd unwilling farmers from Beraberi village who did not accept compensation hoping to get their land back. With the Calcutta High Court striking down the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, 2011, as unconstitutional and void, Tajuddin lost hope of getting back his two-bigha land inside the abandoned Nano factory.
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Most of the farmers of Gopalnagar Ghospara and Beraberi Purbapara who were unwilling to part with their land had taken part in the anti-land acquisition movement spearheaded by the Trinamool Congress–led Krishi Jami Raksha Committee
The present Government had recently promised to support these unwilling farmers through a temporary compensation of Rs 1,000 a month and by providing rice at Rs 2 a kg.
“We took part in all the agitations, went to jail and were booked under so many cases. Didi promised to give us Rs 1,000 a month but we have yet to get any of these benefits,” said Sheikh Sourav Ali.
Agitation to continue
However, Tajuddin and Sheikh Ali’s despondency is not equally shared by his other fellow farmers who are determined to take this agitation forward.
“We were slightly disappointed with today’s verdict but have not given up . We will carry on our agitation. Our leaders have also said that they will move the Supreme Court. We are hopeful that justice will be done,” said Dudh Kumar Dhara, who is a member of the Krishi Jami Raksha Committee.
The Committee will stage a rally later during the day to protest the High Court’s verdict.
“We will fight till the end. Even if the Supreme Court rules in favour of the Tatas, we will not give in. They (Tata) should give adequate compensation to all those unwilling farmers for these six years and give back their land only then we allow them to set foot here,” said Ms Jyothika Pal, a member of the committee.
Celebrations
In stark contrast , 33-year old Prabir Kumar Khamaru is jubilant about Friday’s verdict. Prabir had handed over his 1.5 bighas of land inside the abandoned factory area in return for compensation. “I was employed as a security guard at the factory, but with the project being abandoned I was struggling hard, being paid daily wages doing menial jobs. After today’s verdict I am hoping that the factory would come up as this will give a source of employment to many farmers like me,” Prabir said.