Shivamogga, Karnataka – In a united front, farmers’ unions in Shivamogga are demanding a separate state for the Malenadu region, citing decades of neglect by governments. The call to action follows the government’s alleged failure to provide land rights and compensation to affected farmers in Shivamogga district.
T.N. Srinivas, a prominent farmers’ leader, announced an indefinite protest starting October 21 in Sagar town. The protest seeks immediate resolution on various issues plaguing the region.
Decades-Long Struggle
Thousands of families have been struggling for rights since the Chakra, Savehaklu, and Sharavati hydel electric projects were established. The Supreme Court’s recent directive has further complicated matters, leading to the cancellation of thousands of land documents issued 30-50 years ago.
Key Demands
1. Revoke cancellation of farmers’ land documents.
2. Review approximately 80,000 applications of farmers previously denied land rights.
3. Provide land documents to eligible farmers cultivating forest land.
4. Withdraw notices issued by the Forest Department to farmers.
Srinivas emphasized the need for urgent government action to address these concerns and provide relief to affected families. He highlighted the plight of over 15,000 families residing on Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC) land in Sagara and Hosanagara taluks, which was promised to be returned to farmers by Former Minister Kagodu Thimmappa.
The protest marks a significant escalation in the farmers’ unions’ efforts to secure a separate state for Malenadu and resolve the region’s long-standing issues.
