Bandh against Land Law partially successful in Dehra Dun

Dehra Dun, Aug 18 (UNI) A daylong bandh called by Bhu Adhyadesh Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti against the Land Law implemented by the BJP government in Uttarakhand met with partial success here today.

Most of the shops remained closed in the city areas where Samiti members were also seen forcibly closing these, while the educational institutions had already declared a holiday. However, banks and government offices remained open. Public and private vehicles plied as usual.

Police force were deputed all over the city areas especially in sensitive places to avert untoward incidents. Barring main city areas, bandh had no effect with life going on normally.

Bhu Adhyadesh Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti Vice President Piyush Gaud said that the provision to buy only 250 sq m of land by a family irrespective of the number of its members was not justified.

He maintained that the implementation of the law only in rural areas too was not judicious as it had rendered many people unemployed and there had been loss in revenue. He also rued that residential zone was not defined in the law.

''Though the agitation is presently confined to the capital city, we would intensify the agitation to the entire state if no necessary action was taken by the government,'' Mr Gaud asserted.

Meanwhile, the BJP has declared the bandh an anti-state activity.

Party media in charge Dr Devendra Bhasin said the new Land Law was implemented with provision to curtail uncontrolled land transactions taking place here.

He maintained that the Law was pro-public and would prove fruitful for them as even the poorest of the citizens could purchase the land. ''The bandh is being supported by few persons with vested interest that includes land mafias and some Congress leaders,'' he asserted.

He clarified that anyone who was not liable to the state before 12 September, 2003 and had no immovable property could purchase not more than 250 sq m of land during his life span, however, if needed, he could purchase more land after obtaining permission from the state government. Looking into the misuse of rebate in Lay Out Plan, the provision had been quashed under new Law, he said, adding that such person on whose favour the Lay Out had been sanctioned earlier has to obtain permission from the government to purchase more than 250 sq m land.

''The general public is in favour of new Land Law,'' he exhorted.

UNI