Synopsis
The ongoing protests against the land acquisition for Purnea Airport construction have intensified, with villagers clashing with police and demanding compensation before any further land acquisition. SDO Parth Gupta assures that compensation is available via legal means, yet tensions remain high as villagers continue to resist.Key Takeaways
- Protests against Purnea Airport land acquisition.
- Police clashes with local villagers.
- Farmers demand compensation prior to land acquisition.
- SDO assures compensation is available in court.
- Airport project aims to connect Seemanchal region.
Patna, March 13 (NationPress) The process of acquiring land for the construction of Purnea Airport has ignited significant protests among local residents, resulting in confrontations with law enforcement on Wednesday.
Furious villagers voiced their opposition to the land acquisition, armed with traditional weapons and sticks, successfully driving police officers away from the designated area.
Law enforcement was compelled to withdraw after encountering strong resistance from the community. In response to the unrest, local authorities have increased police presence to maintain order, deploying a substantial number of officers and BPM personnel.
As tensions persisted, villagers continued their defiance, with farmers demanding compensation prior to any land acquisition. They assert that no payments have been made for the seized land.
Additionally, farmers claimed that maize crops were harvested without their consent or payment. A police team led by the SDO attempted to collect maize on Wednesday, but villagers reacted fiercely, resulting in further chaos.
In the midst of the ongoing protests against the land acquisition for Purnea Airport, SDO Parth Gupta has responded to local grievances, clarifying that compensation has already been deposited in court.
“The compensation amount for affected landowners is held in court. Landowners may claim their compensation through legal channels. There has been a misunderstanding with farmers that we have resolved, and we anticipate that the situation will normalize soon,” Gupta stated.
“Contractors for the airport project have arrived in Purnea,” he added.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has engaged external contractors for the construction of Purnea Airport. Nevertheless, some villagers, including local women, report that they have not received any payments.
Despite reassurances from officials, villagers persist in their demand for direct compensation prior to any additional land acquisition.
Purnea Airport represents a significant initiative by the Central government in Bihar aimed at connecting the Seemanchal region with the rest of the country.
Currently, residents of the Seemanchal area must travel to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal or to Darbhanga or Patna to board flights.
Over the years, the project has been a point of contention between the NDA and the Grand Alliance.
