Farmers block minister-in-charge’s car in Niwari:Lack of assurance on land dispute sparks unrest; protesters block road, surround Collector’s vehicle

A land dispute sparked chaos in Niwari district on Saturday evening when angry farmers protested outside the Collector’s office in Orchha tehsil. The situation worsened after the minister-in-charge failed to give a clear assurance, leading protesters to surround the District Collector’s vehicle and block the road for nearly half an hour. Protest over land dispute in Gudrai village Farmers from Mauja Gudrai village gathered outside the Collector’s office to protest over a long-pending land demarcation and possession dispute. The protesters belong mainly to the Kushwaha community and have been demanding justice for years. They allege that the administration has ignored their repeated complaints related to their farmland. Minister visit fails to calm farmers Minister-in-charge Narayan Kushwaha had reached the Collector’s office on Saturday to attend a review meeting of the Garhkundar Mahotsav. During his visit, a large group of farmers met him and submitted a written complaint. Some villagers even fell at the minister’s feet, seeking help. However, when they did not receive any clear assurance, anger spread among the crowd. Collector’s car surrounded on the road The protesters first tried to stop the minister’s vehicle, but it managed to leave the area. After this, the farmers blocked the vehicle of District Collector Jamuna Bhide in the middle of the road. Men and women stood in front of the car and raised slogans such as “Collector Murdabad” and “Prashasan Hay Hay”. The road soon turned into a scene of chaos. Police try to pacify protesters As tensions rose, police and administrative officials tried to calm the crowd. Many officers were seen folding their hands and requesting the villagers to disperse. Despite this, there was pushing, shouting and confusion on the road for around 30 minutes. Woman alleges police pushed her During the commotion, a rural woman named Munni Bai broke down in tears. She claimed that police personnel pushed her while she was pleading with the minister for justice. She alleged that her hand was injured in the incident. Other farmers also accused the police of using force. See pictures – Woman cried and said – Police pushed me
During the commotion, rural woman Munni Bai came forward crying. She alleged that the police pushed her while she was pleading with the minister for justice, causing injury to her hand. Farmers alleged that land mafias are active in this entire matter and the administration is working under their protection. Allegations of land mafia involvement The protesting farmers alleged that land mafias are active in the area. They claimed the administration is protecting these groups instead of helping poor villagers. According to them, this is the main reason why their complaints are not being heard. Dispute over old and new demarcation Villagers said they have submitted more than 50 applications to the authorities, but no proper hearing has taken place. They want possession of their land based on the demarcation done in 2009. However, the administration recently carried out a fresh demarcation, which farmers say is incorrect. Why farmers are angry The District Collector had formed a five-member committee to resolve the dispute and ordered a new demarcation. Farmers rejected this exercise and said it is being used to take away their land. They insist that only the 2009 demarcation should be recognised and fear they are being dispossessed through the new process.