Agitation against land acquisition in Siliguri

Siliguri, Sep 17 (UNI) Treading the path of Singur, agitators, led by West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi, have launched an indefinite dharna to protest land acquisition for a satellite township here.

The dharna, supported by the Trinamool Congress and the RSP, a constituent of the Left Front government, was launched on September 12 in protest against the ''unfair'' rehabilitation package offered to the land losers.

The Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) had started the acquisition of 320 acres of land at the Kawakhali-Porajhar area for a satellite township since 2004.

However, many of the land losers, who had earlier agreed to give their land, were now returning the cheques to the SJDA, claimed Ms Dasmunshi.

Meanwhile, SJDA chairman Ashok Bhattacharya, also the state Urban Development Minister, has decided to hold a meeting on September 19 to discuss about the land rehabilitation package.

The Kawakhali-Porajhar Bhumi Raksha Committee, led by Ms Dasmunshi, would organise a rally to demand further benefits for the land losers on September 20.

The second phase of the agitation will be announced later, Ms Dasmunshi said.

UNI XC-DPM KK LPB HS1655