The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Displaced woman’s struggle goes in vain

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Thursday, Jun 25, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Displaced woman’s struggle goes in vain

Correspondent

VIZIANAGARAM: Kona Seethamma (76) of Z. Kumaram, a hamlet of Kiltampalem panchayat in S. Kota mandal in the district, who fought relentlessly in vain for compensation for her land, died on Tuesday evening.

A.P. Dalit Coolie Rythu Sangam leaders carried the body to S. Kota Tahsildar’s office and staged a dharna there. The protest was called off at 10 p.m. when Revenue Divisional Officer, Delhi Rao, pacified them and offered Rs. 5,000 towards funeral expenses. It may be recalled that as part of land acquisition for Jindal Alumina Refinery, Seethamma’s land measuring 4.16 acres in survey no. 198/1 too was acquired. But she was not paid compensation. Instead, the money was paid to a tribal woman Onti Chinnammi of Kiltampalem. There were allegations that Revenue officials under pressure from Congress leaders transferred the patta of Seethamma to Chinnammi before paying the sum. Protesting against the Revenue officials’ action Seethamma launched relay fast in front of the Tahsildar’s office in October last year.

Then Collector B. Kishore asked former Joint Collector B. Ramaiah to inquire into the land transfer. In the JC’s report it was stated that the land belongs to Seethamma and the compensation paid to Chinnammi was a mistake. Following an assurance of justice she called off her protest after 82 days. When the given assurance was not translated into action, Seethamma’s condition began to deteriorate and she died without getting the compensation. The case is pending before Principal Secretary.

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