Chennai, Aug 13 (NationPress) A brewing land conflict in Chettikarai Panchayat of Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu has led inhabitants from four villages to declare a one-day hunger strike on Independence Day. This protest is aimed at opposing the land claims made by the Waqf Board, as outlined in the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The discontent arises from accusations that the Waqf Board has asserted ownership over agricultural lands that locals insist have been owned by their families for generations. Numerous residents from Rajapettai, Kottaimedu, Khan Nagar, and Pallagollai convened at the Dharmapuri Collectorate, joined by local MLAs S.P. Venkateshwaran and A. Govidasamy, on Tuesday.

The group presented petitions requesting the revocation of the Act, claiming that it has effectively halted land transactions in their villages.

As per the petitioners, more than 51 survey numbers across the four villages have been classified under the control of the Waqf Board, obstructing any sales and transfers.

Farmers report being denied essential chitta and adangal revenue documents, which makes it impossible for them to register their land or engage in standard agricultural dealings.

A resident from Chettikarai, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed that this action has left families blindsided, despite having legal revenue records spanning over 125 years.

“Out of the blue, we are informed that our lands are under the Waqf Board's jurisdiction. Nearly a hundred farming families now find themselves without access to their own properties,” he stated.

He further alleged that revenue officials are demanding a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Waqf Board for any documentation related to land.

“Our livelihoods have been severely impacted. This Act has harmed us greatly,” he lamented.

He pledged to participate in the protest on Independence Day. The residents contend that the claims made by the Waqf Board are baseless and have called on the district administration to take a definitive stance against the Act.

They worry that if the issue remains unresolved, the affected farmers will endure increasing economic hardship and potential displacement.

However, officials from the district administration refrained from commenting on the matter, citing its sensitive nature.

With political figures rallying around the cause and tensions escalating in the villages, the scheduled hunger strike on August 15 is anticipated to garner significant participation, potentially escalating the local dispute into a broader political issue.