Belagavi: More than 500 farmers and villagers from Mastiholi and nearby areas launched an indefinite day-and-night protest outside the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) Belagavi North Division office from Tuesday night, demanding immediate release of pending compensation for land acquired for irrigation projects.Farmers from Mastiholi, Gudaganatti, Biranholi, Sutagatti and Jarkiholi gathered outside the office, holding placards and raising slogans against the authorities. Protesters alleged that though their agricultural land was acquired several years ago for irrigation-related works, many affected landowners are yet to receive full and fair compensation.They said repeated appeals to officials had failed to yield a permanent solution, forcing them to launch an indefinite agitation.Farmer leader Balesh Mavanure alleged that incorrect information had been submitted regarding compensation due to Mastiholi farmers affected by the backwaters of the Hidkal dam.“A letter was sent from the Secretary’s office on May 8 to the KNNL Belagavi North Division office seeking accurate information on the issue. However, despite visiting the office repeatedly for the past two months, farmers are being told only that the file has not been received,” he said.The protesters demanded implementation of the findings of the Special Land Acquisition Officer’s report, which they claimed states that compensation for 394 acres of land remains pending and that all affected farmers are eligible for payment.However, they alleged that officials have maintained compensation has been paid for only 150 acres, without providing documents to support the claim.Farmers also expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the lack of response to the letter issued by the Secretary’s office.The protesters further claimed that Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi had raised the issue with authorities, but no concrete action had followed. “If officials continue to ignore farmers’ grievances, how are we expected to survive?” they asked.They also accused police personnel of trying to intimidate them despite the protest being peaceful and urged the govt and officials to address their demands instead of suppressing the agitation.“The govt must immediately resolve the issue and ensure justice for affected farmers. If our demands are not met, the indefinite protest outside the office will continue,” they warned.The farmers’ key demands include immediate release of pending compensation, resolution of all land acquisition-related issues, and fair treatment of affected landowners.Santosh Patil, Balesh Patil, Uday Hiremath, Siddhaling Bennadi, Raju Huddar, Barma Mungari, Patreppa Maladani and Dundappa Patil were present.
