Jalgaon, Maharashtra |
Farmers from Muktainagar taluka in Jalgaon district staged a dramatic ‘Jalsamadhi’ protest on Sunday by entering the Purna River. Their demand: fair compensation for land acquired for the Indore-Hyderabad highway project. The protest led to clashes between farmers and the police, resulting in chaos and injuries on-site.
What was the issue?
Land belonging to 160 farmers in Jalgaon’s Muktainagar was acquired for the Indore–Hyderabad highway. Farmers allege they have not received adequate compensation from the government despite repeated requests.
What led to the Jalsamadhi protest?
Frustrated with government inaction and delayed payments, farmers, under the leadership of MLA Chandrakant Patil, entered the Purna River in a symbolic “Jalsamadhi” protest to draw attention to their plight.
What are the protesters demanding?
The farmers are demanding fair and timely compensation, transparency in the land acquisition process, and justice for the losses they’ve suffered. They’ve vowed not to step back until their concerns are addressed.
The protesters, led by MLA Chandrakant Patil, demanded:
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Immediate and adequate compensation for the acquired land.
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Transparency and accountability in the compensation process.
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A halt to land-related injustice affecting rural livelihoods.
“We are willing to part with our land for public development, but not at the cost of our survival,” said Patil, who also warned that no force would deter them from fighting for justice—even if it meant risking lives.
Several farmers collapsed during the protest and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The event follows a similar protest in the Beed district, indicating a growing wave of discontent among farmers across Maharashtra. With tensions high, all eyes are now on how the government will respond.
