CPI to take out 'padyatra' over dumpers' purchase issue

Bhopal, Dec 7 (UNI) The CPI's Madhya Pradesh unit has announced starting of a chain of 'padyatras' across the state in support of their 16-point demand including action against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the much-debated dumpers' purchase issue.

''It does not merely concern hiring out of dumpers belonging to Mr Chouhan and other political leaders to Rewa-based J P Cement. It concerns forcible possession of land belonging to farmers by the concerned industrialist,'' CPI state secretariat member Badal Saroj told reporters here today.

Mr Saroj said gunshots had been fired when people opposed forcible possession of land belonging to peasants.

He alleged that no action was taken against J P Cement owner Sunny Gaud and Rajneesh Gaud despite two months' after a case was registered against them because they enjoyed ruling party's protection.

Mr Saroj said the main 'padyatra' would start from Rewa on December 9 and negotiate its way through Satna, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur and Hoshangabad covering a distance of 650 km before reaching the state capital, where a demonstration would be staged.

The CPI leader alleged that the state government was prepared to sell land, forests and rivers to big companies. He said companies like Reliance and Essar were attempting to acquire land through corrupt means.

UNI