Bhagalpur: Locals Clash With Police Over Land Acquisition
News Lead:
On Thursday, in Bhagalpur's Champanagar locality, locals clashed with police officers over land acquisition. The incident occurred when police officers attempted to take possession of land for a government project. The locals, who claim the land is their ancestral property, resisted the police action, leading to a violent confrontation.
Details of the Incident:
Approximately 500 locals gathered at the site of the land acquisition, armed with sticks and stones. They pelted stones at the police officers and set fire to a police vehicle. The police retaliated with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the mob. Several people, including police officers and locals, were injured in the clash.
Government's Response:
The Bihar government has condemned the violence and ordered an inquiry into the incident. The government has also announced that it will provide compensation to those who were injured in the clash. The police have arrested several people in connection with the incident and are investigating the matter further.
Local Residents' Concerns:
The locals claim that the government is acquiring their land without their consent and at a very low price. They say that the land has been in their family for generations and is their only source of livelihood. They are demanding that the government abandon the land acquisition project or provide them with fair compensation.
Impact on the Community:
The clash has created tension in the Champanagar locality. Many residents are afraid to leave their homes and businesses are closed. The police have imposed a curfew in the area to prevent further violence. The incident has also raised concerns about the government's land acquisition policies and the rights of local residents.
Additional Information:
- According to a report by the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, over 2 million acres of land belonging to Dalits and Adivasis have been acquired by the government since 2004.
- The government claims that land acquisition is necessary for development projects that will benefit the entire community. However, critics argue that these projects often benefit large corporations and displace poor and marginalized communities.
- The Land Acquisition Act, 2013, was enacted to protect the rights of people whose land is being acquired by the government. However, there have been allegations that the Act has not been implemented effectively.
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