The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : `Fireworks' at Koneru workshop

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Fireworks' at Koneru workshop

Special Correspondent

STORMY AFFAIR: CPI leader K. Narayana and others stage a demonstration in front of the workshop venue in Hyderabad on Tuesday. — PHOTO: Satish. H

HYDERABAD: A workshop convened by Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao on Koneru Ranga Rao Land Committee report here on Tuesday ended on a stormy note with Left party workers and representatives of other organisations getting on to the stage dissatisfied with his response on its implementation.

Rounding off the daylong meeting, the Minister listed out various steps taken by the Government in implementing the land reforms, especially distribution of 4.37 lakh acres to landless poor during the last three years. On the land committee's recommendations, officials were asked to submit a report within 20 days.

With the Minister remaining silent on their demand that he specify time frame for implementation of the recommendations, workers climbed on to the stage to protest.

Later they resolved to intensify their ongoing land struggle. In fact, the workshop began on a sour note, when the Left party cadre and representatives of people's organisations staging a demonstration at the entrance of the venue Dr. MCR HRD Institute. They complained that some of the organisations were denied invitation and insulted. They relented after the Minister apologised.

The Opposition leaders said it was unfortunate that nearly two-and-half-years after the panel was constituted, the Government was still studying the issue. It was time that the Government created a separate Ministry for implementation and a Commission to resolve land disputes.

Congress spokesman, Paladugu Venkat Rao caused a stir by seeking the Government to initiate steps to distribute 50 lakh acres of forestland to the landless poor.

At another stage, he described State CPI(M) secretary B.V. Raghavulu, as a "landlord" prompting the latter to challenge him to prove the charge.

Mr. Raghavulu said the Government's lack of sincerity was obvious in the way it was taking actions against the spirit of the recommendations and the cited the example of the recently amended land assignment Act.

State CPI secretary K. Narayana said struggle for land should not be seen as law and order problem but as a social issue.

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