Vandana Shiva demands inquiry into Dadri deal

New Delhi, July 12 (UNI) Prominent environmental activist Vandana Shiva has demanded an inquiry by the National Commission for Women and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into alleged police excesses at Bhejera Khurd village in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri area last week.

Addressing a press conference here after a visit to the village, she also demanded the setting up of an enquiry commission to go into the UP Government's decision to allow the Reliance group to set up a 3500 MW power plant there.

As against the prevailing market rate of Rs 13,500 per square metres, villagers were to be paid a paltry Rs 350 per sq metres for the planned 2,700 acres of land to be acquired for the project, she said.

''This is one of the most fertile lands in the world, with the alluvial layer deeper than 300 metres. The land is abundant with water and is just 2-3 km away from the main Ganga canal,'' she informed.

The police and security personnel employed by Reliance beat up villagers, including women and children, who had assembled for a peaceful protest to reclaim their land, Ms Shiva said, seeking the immediate release of all jailed farmers and free medical treatment of the injured.

The Central Government should take steps to stop future atrocities on farmers, violation of their human rights and concentration of power in corporate hands, as was evident in the Dadri case, she added.

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