Farmers in Annur protest against Sub-Registrar's alleged ban on land registration in six villages. The confrontation led by Kumar Ravikumar highlights the impact on agricultural land prices and farmers' livelihoods.
Coimbatore: In a heated confrontation, farmers in Annur, Coimbatore district, protested against the Sub-Registrar's alleged ban on land registration in six villages. The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw farmers led by Kumar Ravikumar, president of the "Our Land is Ours" farmers' association, questioning Sub-Registrar Selva Balamurugan about the unofficial prohibition on land transactions.
The issue stems from a 2022 government plan to acquire 3,600 acres of land for a SIDCO industrial park in Annur. Farmers from six villages, including Annur, Kuppanur, Vadakkanur, and Pugalur, formed the "Our Land is Ours" association to oppose the acquisition of agricultural lands. Following their protests, the government assured that farmlands would not be acquired for the industrial park.
However, in recent weeks, Annur Sub-Registrar Selva Balamurugan reportedly imposed a ban on land registrations in these six villages. This unofficial ban has severely affected farmers, preventing them from selling or buying land. The land value, which was previously around 1 crore rupees per acre, has plummeted to 25 lakh rupees.
During the protest at the Annur Sub-Registrar's office, Kumar Ravikumar confronted the Sub-Registrar, questioning him about his duties and responsibilities. In a video that has since gone viral, Ravikumar can be heard asking pointed questions about legal procedures, approaching the courts, police protection, and the Sub-Registrar's official duties.
The farmers gathered at the protest remained calm as they listened to the exchange. Eventually, Sub-Registrar Selva Balamurugan clarified that there was no official ban on land registration and that transactions could proceed freely. Following this statement, the farmers dispersed, ending their protest.
Farmers expressed distress over the Sub-Registrar's alleged unilateral action without any government announcement, which they claim has caused a significant drop in agricultural land prices. They emphasized that this unofficial ban has severely impacted their livelihoods and the overall value of their properties.
The issue stems from a 2022 government plan to acquire 3,600 acres of land for a SIDCO industrial park in Annur. Farmers from six villages, including Annur, Kuppanur, Vadakkanur, and Pugalur, formed the "Our Land is Ours" association to oppose the acquisition of agricultural lands. Following their protests, the government assured that farmlands would not be acquired for the industrial park.
However, in recent weeks, Annur Sub-Registrar Selva Balamurugan reportedly imposed a ban on land registrations in these six villages. This unofficial ban has severely affected farmers, preventing them from selling or buying land. The land value, which was previously around 1 crore rupees per acre, has plummeted to 25 lakh rupees.
During the protest at the Annur Sub-Registrar's office, Kumar Ravikumar confronted the Sub-Registrar, questioning him about his duties and responsibilities. In a video that has since gone viral, Ravikumar can be heard asking pointed questions about legal procedures, approaching the courts, police protection, and the Sub-Registrar's official duties.
The farmers gathered at the protest remained calm as they listened to the exchange. Eventually, Sub-Registrar Selva Balamurugan clarified that there was no official ban on land registration and that transactions could proceed freely. Following this statement, the farmers dispersed, ending their protest.
Farmers expressed distress over the Sub-Registrar's alleged unilateral action without any government announcement, which they claim has caused a significant drop in agricultural land prices. They emphasized that this unofficial ban has severely impacted their livelihoods and the overall value of their properties.