State may revoke charges against Nevali farmers

Mumbai: The state government has assured that criminal charges against the protesting farmers of Nevali, Kalyan will be revoked. The assurance came in the Friday meeting of the state council. On June 23, violent protests had erupted in 17 villages in rural Kalyan, against the land acquisition by Navy.

The farmers had opposed the erection of walls around the British-era airstrip, resulting in several person getting injured and vehicles, including those belonging to the police, being torched.

“The government is positive about revoking the charges and we shall take the decision after discussing the issue with the police,” said revenue minister Chandrakant Patil.

As per the Navy’s claim, the British government in 1942, at the time of the Second World War, had acquired the land in question. But the farmers have claimed that the land acquisition was only valid for the war period and later on, the villagers had reclaimed the land.

In June this year, when the Navy started fencing the plots, villagers had started with the protest. But soon, the agitation had turned violent with many police constables as well as villagers getting injured.

And though the minister of state for defence, Subhash Bhamare had assured that a meeting would be held in Delhi to find a solution, the meeting is yet to take place.

Mr Patil assured the council that he would arrange for the meeting very soon.  He said, “As the issue involves the defence ministry, we need to discuss it will the concerned people. But we will ensure that the land is not acquired with force.”