Siliguri, 15 January: Porajhar Kawakhali Bhumi Raksha Committee (PKBRC) protested at Hashmi Chowk with placards in their hands in support of their demands, on Saturday.
Reportedly, the then state government in the year 2002 had acquired the lands of farmers of Porajhar in Kawakhali area, for the construction of the Film City. After the change of government, the farmers were given assurance that they will be rehabilitated and the unwilling farmers will be given back their lands.
Despite the assurance, the farmers were not given their lands back. It is alleged that the said land has now been handed over to private entities and promoters. Strongly condemning the incident, the aggrieved farmers expressed their anguish against the state government.
PKBRC member Basudev Basu stated that after the Siliguri Municipal Corporation elections, if the lands are not returned or the farmers are not rehabilitated, the committee will stage a massive protest. He also said that the project work will be put on hold.