GUJRAT: Scores of farmers belonging to the villages on the outskirts of the city staged a sit-in at the district government complex against the proposed acquisition of their land for the establishment of phase 2 of the industrial estate.

Despite heavy rain, the farmers reached the district complex on their tractor-trolleys.

Belonging mainly to Malikpur, Chahra, Saidheri and Jaura Jalalpur villages, the protesters were carrying banners and placards inscribed with their demands.

They reached the district complex in the form of a rally and staged a sit-in there. They chanted slogans against the acquisition of their agricultural land for the industrial estate.

The protesters held talks with Deputy Commissioner Safdar Virk and apprised him of their apprehensions. The DC assured them of considering their concerns and the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Punjab Minister for Industries Chaudhry Shafay Hussain had announced earlier this week to establish the phase 2 of the small industrial estate at 400 acres land.

The PTI government had launched phase 2 at 200 acres near Kunjah three years ago and the land was also acquired.

However, in August last year, the caretaker government cancelled that site near Kunjah on the recommendations of Chaudhry Salik Hussain and the revenue department had later proposed a huge chunk of land near Mehsam along the Bhimbher Road.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2024