Victory for people’s movement against the Mandal-Bechraji SIR

Date: 10th July 2013

UPDATE

Victory for people’s movement against the Mandal-Bechraji SIR

People in the 44 villages of the proposed Mandal-Becharaji SIR have been agitating for the withdrawal of the SIR which would cover 50880 hectares of the 44 villages, along with 26 villages on the periphery and village Hansalpur which was part of the Maruti-Suzuki plant. They have been carrying on a non-violent movement against the SIR for the last 3 months. Their agitation encompassed various non-violent methods which included numerous village level meetings, at least 3 large gatherings, a Tractor Rally from village Vithlapur to Gandhinagar and several rounds of submissions of memoranda.

At last the government became active last evening and started contacting some local leaders to initiate talks with them. In today’s meeting with the Chief Minister the leaders reiterated their main demands which were: 1) Scrapping of the SIR Act; 2) Scrapping of the Mandal-Bechraji SIR; 3) the Narmada areas which were de-commanded to be brought back into the command area; 4) Scrapping of the Irrigation and Drainage Bill, 2013; and 5) Scrap the land deal for village Hansalpur with the Maruti-Suzuki Co.

The Chief Minister has assured the leaders that by 15th August they will 1) get back with some positive news as to the Mandal-Bechraji SIR, 2) the area de-commanded from the Narmada command area will be brought back into the command area, and, 3) the Maruti-Suzuki land deal is being looked at by the Revenue Minister and if a satisfactory outcome is not forthcoming then he will personally intervene into the matter.

The Chief Minister finally added that all the matters are not within the purview of the GoG but also involves the central government and so all angles would have to be considered, but something positive should be forthcoming. He also requested for names of four leaders to be given with whom further negotiations could be undertaken.

On the face of it, it seems that the people’s power has won but nothing can be assumed to be final till all matters are resolved and put on paper. This entire development will be related to the people back in the area and discussed with them, and the final decision will be taken after consulting and deliberating with them.

The agitation has received very valuable support and cooperation from members of the media and the people of this movement are indebted to them.

Lalji Desai Sagar Rabari
On behalf of Jameen Adhikar Aandolan – Gujarat (JAAG)

Jameen Adhikar Andolan – Gujarat (JAAG)
A-302, Sharan Residency-1, Near Lohana Chhatralaya, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Contact: Lalji Desai 9727589344 Sagar Rabari 9409307693