Haveri, April 11 (NationPress) In a heartfelt moment during a Zilla Panchayat progress review meeting held near Devagiri village in Haveri district, Karnataka's Deputy Speaker in the Legislative Assembly, Rudrappa Lamani, was visibly emotional as he addressed the ongoing crisis faced by villagers who are reportedly being forced off their land.

During his remarks, Lamani emphasized that numerous communities have resided next to forest boundaries since prior to Independence. Yet, residents are now confronted with eviction notices, as authorities claim their homes lie within designated forest zones. First Information Reports have been lodged against these individuals, compelling many to leave their residences.

He highlighted that inhabitants of Guttal Tanda and Karur villages have already been displaced, and noted that up to 22 villages statewide are encountering similar challenges.

Lamani pointed out that the government has historically provided housing and employment to these communities for the last thirty years. Now, however, the forest department has begun issuing notices asserting that these areas are classified as reserved forests.

He has been advocating this matter for the past five years, having met with Union Ministers and Members of Parliament to seek action.

Expressing his distress, he remarked that decisions are being made from comfortable offices within the Supreme Court, questioning where thousands of impoverished individuals are expected to relocate. He urged MPs to press the Central government for support.

He accused the forest department of harassing poor residents by filing First Information Reports against them, complicating their lives further.

Lamani called on both the Central government and the Supreme Court to support the affected populations by granting land ownership rights to those living in these regions.

He recalled that during the administration of the late Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, provisions were made for those residing in informal structures to obtain ‘patta’ (land ownership) documents.

However, the forest authorities are reportedly acting unjustly, denying these documents, thus leaving many to suffer from inequality. He questioned the situation, asking if he is facing such challenges, what must others endure?

He noted that in Shiggaon and Kolar, eviction notices have already been distributed. He questioned the alternatives for these individuals, stating that in a democratic society, the Centre should reconsider the laws governing such matters.

He criticized Lok Sabha members, mentioning his discussions with several notable MPs, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Prakash Birla. Despite his efforts, the resolution passed by the state legislature remains overlooked by the Centre.

Lamani asserted that everyone has a right to live, and if individuals are threatened with eviction or face First Information Reports, he questioned the essence of democracy.

He pointed out the lack of alternative arrangements for these communities.

This issue, he stated, transcends Karnataka, affecting people nationwide. He urged that individuals should be permitted to stay in their homes, underscoring that everyone deserves the right to a secure living situation, which is his earnest appeal to the Supreme Court and the Central government.