The protest led by farmers in Soatai village, Faridabad, has entered its twenty-sixth day as they continue to camp day and night demanding rightful compensation for their lands. Amidst the ongoing agitation, a court hearing took place where it was revealed that the Municipal Corporation Faridabad has filed a new application. Farmers claim that through this application, the corporation is attempting to alter its previously submitted response. According to the farmers, the corporation has still not presented the necessary case-related documents in the court.
Land Acquisition For Jewar Airport
The core of the dispute stems from land acquisition for the Jewar Airport. According to Advocate Rajkumar Bhati, the farmers hailing from Soatai had their lands acquired for the airport project, but they have not received any compensation for that acquisition. It is precisely due to this lack of payment that all these individuals have been staging a continuous protest.
Farmers Present Their Case In Court
During the court proceedings, the farmers appeared and registered their presence with their respective files. Complying with government policies, the farmers representing the twelve sectors who arrived at the court hold all the authentic land documents. Their names clearly appear in the land records, yet due to the delayed disbursement of compensation, everyone remains distressed.
Financial Loss Due To Soaring Land Prices
The farmers argue that land values have appreciated by three to four times, while compensation is being calculated at a single rate, resulting in severe financial losses. The lack of timely payment has caused immense grief and widespread anger among the agrarian community. During the court appearance, the presiding judge gave them a patient hearing and was urged to facilitate a speedy trial.
Plan For A Hunger Strike
Farmer leader Bablu Hooda shared that today marked the twenty-sixth day of their sit-in. Having decided collectively a day prior, the protest was extended to both Soatai village and outside the judge's chamber. Although the farmers arrived with the intention of launching a hunger strike, their lawyer facilitated a meeting with the judge, allowing them to openly discuss all their grievances.
No Compensation Received Since 2022 Acquisition
The farmers informed the judge that the government acquired their land back in 2022, and as the year 2026 nears its conclusion, they have not received a single rupee as compensation. They asserted that the land rightfully belongs to them, and neither the Municipal Corporation Faridabad nor the National Highways Authority of India possesses a single document to counter their claim.
Disparity Between 2022 And 2026 Land Rates
The farmers highlighted to the court that there is a massive gulf between the land rates of 2022 and the current rates in 2026. What a whole acre could buy back then is now equivalent to the value of just a hundred gaz today. With the opposing side lacking witnesses or concrete evidence, the ownership of the farmers remains undisputed.
Protest To Continue Until Demands Are Met
Kailash, a resident of Soatai village, stated that elderly residents and youth alike have been running back and forth to court every single day while maintaining their dharna for the past twenty-six days simply to claim their own property rights. While a hunger strike was initially planned, the judge assured them of an expedited resolution, failing which the strike will commence. The peaceful village protest will persist until the compensation is fully disbursed.
