Siliguri, 07th July: The process of acquiring land from small farmers for setting up a Gorkha Battalion training centre in the Naxalbari Maniram area has commenced. The All India Krishak Sabha issued a memorandum to the Darjeeling DM demanding to immediately stop the move.
It has been learned that the government has decided to acquire 105 acres of agricultural land at Suraj Bor Mouza in Naxalbari Maniram area for a number of government works including setting up a Gorkha Battalion Training Center. The All India Krishak Sabha issued a memorandum to the Darjeeling DM demanding immediate withdrawal of this decision and acquisition of other non-agricultural lands by the government.
On behalf of the organization, Goutam Ghosh said that their organization is in favour of government development work. However, they will not accept the acquisition of cultivable agricultural land for government work. The livelihood of around 80 to 90 families depends on this land. So they are not ready to accept this decision under any circumstances.