Protest in K'taka's Srirangapatna Over Farmers’ Land Records Labeled as Waqf Properties
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Synopsis
Shops in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, were closed on Monday as farmers and Hindu activists protested against the classification of their lands as Waqf properties, raising concerns about ownership and land rights. The protests reflect growing tensions between local communities and government regulations surrounding land ownership.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers protested against land classified as Waqf properties.
- Shops and markets in Srirangapatna remained closed on protest day.
- Over 50 farmers' lands were affected in several villages.
- Local groups, including VHP and Bajrang Dal, supported the bandh.
- The Karnataka government promised to correct land record discrepancies.
Mandya (Karnataka), Jan 20 (NationPress) Shops and local markets in the historical town of Srirangapatna in Karnataka remained shut on Monday following a bandh called by farmers' groups and Hindu activists to protest against the designation of farmers' lands as Waqf properties.
The farmers are opposing the classification of their lands in the Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops (RTC) records as Waqf properties.
Local residents claimed that the land records of over 50 farmers in the villages of Kiranguru, Shettyhalli, Baburayanakoppalu, and Darasakuppe now indicate their properties as belonging to the Waqf board. This situation has instigated fear and anxiety within the farming community.
While the records show that the properties are in the possession of the farmers, the ownership is recorded under the Waqf board. Farmers emphasized that during any sale deed or loan process, the names of banks or relevant parties are usually included in the records. However, in this instance, without any transactions, the land records have been modified to reflect the Waqf board as the owner.
The issue was uncovered when some farmers examined their RTC records for sales or division matters.
Hindu activists have also pointed out that numerous historical sites in and around Srirangapatna, including the ‘Maddina Mane’ (armory), have been categorized as properties of the Waqf board.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Raitha Sangha, Mandya Rakshana Vedike, and other groups united to protest this decision and called for a voluntary bandh on Monday. Farmers organized a demonstration with their cattle.
In response to the bandh call, local entrepreneurs and shopkeepers refrained from opening their businesses in Srirangapatna. The town, historically significant as the former capital of the Mysuru kingdom under Tipu Sultan, experienced substantial backing for the protest.
The BJP previously initiated a statewide movement concerning the Waqf issue under the slogan “Our Land, Our Right.” Following extensive demonstrations, the Congress-led Karnataka government declared the withdrawal of notices issued to farmers by the Waqf board.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan assured the House that any errors in the land records would be addressed. They also confirmed that the Waqf board would not assert ownership of temple lands.
