Villagers in Sunped, Faridabad, have launched a strong protest against a proposed new police line designated on panchayat land, arguing that land belonging to the village should be utilized for initiatives that benefit the entire community. Opposition arose after the government approved plans to build a new police line on Sunped panchayat land. A few days ago, residents gathered at the village vatika for a panchayat meeting to raise their voices against the police line, and they have now submitted a formal memorandum to the DC.
Kisan leader Bablu Hudda stated during an interaction that the entire village, alongside the gram panchayat, is united in opposing the police line. He demanded that a hospital, a large college, or a university be built on the site instead. According to him, establishing a stadium would provide better practice facilities for local and regional athletes, a hospital would grant residents access to healthcare, and an educational institution would guide the youth toward a brighter future. Any institution built on panchayat land should directly serve the public interest.
Why Build Another Police Line in Sunped?
Bablu Hudda noted that constructing a police line will not contribute significantly to the village's development. Due to public perceptions regarding the image of the police, local residents do not want a police facility in their midst. Given that Faridabad district already houses a police line, residents question the necessity of building a second one in Sunped. He asserted that decisions regarding panchayat land should not be imposed on villagers against their will. Since the land belongs to the gram panchayat of Sunped, its use must serve the best interests of local residents, which formed the core of the memorandum submitted to the DC.
Demands for a College, University, or Hospital
Master Devi Singh Lamba expressed that the demands raised by the villagers are completely justified. Constructing a hospital or an educational institution in the village would prove highly beneficial for future generations, whereas a police line offers no distinct advantages to locals. Since their land is being acquired, they demand an institution that directly benefits village residents, noting that colleges, universities, or hospitals can improve the futures of youth and common citizens alike.
Master Devi Singh Lamba also highlighted the growing resentment among villagers regarding the compensation offered for the land. At current market rates, a compensation value of 4 crore rupees is negligible. With actual land values being significantly higher, the compensation falls short of expectations, leaving villagers feeling that their property has been undervalued. They urge the government to listen to their grievances and reconsider both the land's intended use and the compensation package.
Discrepancies in Land Compensation Rates
Kailash questioned why authorities want to establish another police line in Sunped when Faridabad district already has one. He reiterated demands for a college, a hospital, or a large stadium, suggesting that any alternative to a police line would benefit the local population. Furthermore, the offered compensation is far below prevailing market rates. Land in the area has previously sold at rates around 13 crore rupees, while the current compensation is set at roughly 4 crore rupees, even though transactions reached about 10 crore rupees roughly 10 years ago.
Kailash emphasized that the singular demand of the villagers is to prevent the construction of a police line on the Sunped panchayat land. Should the government wish to establish an institution there, it should construct a hospital, college, university, or stadium that would benefit Sunped and neighboring villages alike. Panchayat land must serve the public interest, and the collective voice of the villagers must not be ignored.
