BENGALURU: In a crucial response to growing discontent among farmers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday, October 29 that no farmer will be evicted from their land following the issuance of controversial Waqf notices declaring their properties as Waqf land in the districts of Vijayapura, Yadagiri, and Dharwad. The Chief Minister emphasised that any notices sent out would be revoked, addressing the immediate concerns of the farming community who fear losing their vital sources of income and livelihood.
The backdrop of this announcement caused significant unrest among farmers, particularly in Vijayapura, where the entry of the Waqf Board’s name into land records has caused considerable anxiety. Farmers, who rely heavily on their agricultural lands for sustenance, expressed outrage at the prospect of their properties being classified as Waqf, a designation that could potentially jeopardize their ownership rights. The situation has escalated tensions, prompting leaders from the Akhand Karnataka Raitha Sangh to announce their intention to vigorously resist any efforts by the Waqf Board to classify their land as Waqf property.Farmers
In a symbolic act of protest, the farmers’ association has decided to commemorate Deepawali under the shadows of governmental neglect at the deputy commissioners office, highlighting their grievances during what is typically a time of celebration. The farmers planned a protest march from the Siddeshwar temple in Vijayapura, making their way through prominent locations in the city, including Basaveshwar Circle and Ambedkar Circle, before arriving at the deputy commissioners office on October 29.. During protest on Tuesday protesters displayed portraits of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, vocally denouncing the government’s actions and demanding immediate withdrawal of notices.
The sentiment among the farmers is one of despair and frustration, as many families are left grappling with uncertainty about their land ownership and the future of their livelihoods. They have publicly stated that this year’s Diwali will be overshadowed by feelings of injustice and neglect, with many families facing the harsh reality of homelessness due to the ongoing crisis. The farmers are demanding the immediate removal of the Waqf Board’s entries from their land records and are urging the government to ensure that they do not encounter any further issues regarding their land rights.
Compounding the situation, reports indicate that the Waqf Board has been systematically adding the designation of Waqf to the land records of several farmers without their consent, further fueling their concerns. In a recent development, Deputy commissioner T Bhubalan announced the cancellation of 41 entries that had previously been made under the Waqf designation. He assured the farmers that the Waqf designation would be promptly removed from the Pahani, the official land records that govern property ownership in the region.
During a press briefing in Vijayapura, Collector Bhubalan provided insights into the current situation, revealing that there are approximately 223 acres of land classified as Waqf. He explained that the Wakf Minister Jameer Ahmed had instructed officials to remove encroachments on this land, which led to the issuance of notices to farmers—often without any prior notification. Many farmers have contested these notices before the Revenue Tribunal, with a total of 124 notices issued to 433 farmers across the districts.
Collector Bhubalan reiterated the point that the name of the Waqf Board should not appear in the ownership details of the farmers’ land, emphasizing that ownership rights remain intact despite the ongoing encroachments. He acknowledged that a total of 44 plots of land had been encroached upon without any formal notifications being issued, noting that the actions taken by the Tehsildar of Indi Taluk were deemed inappropriate and unjust.
In response to the widespread discontent, the state government has taken steps to ensure that such disputes do not recur in the future. A task force has been established to address these issues, and the chief Minister has vowed to rectify the situation. He made it clear that notices issued to farmers will be retracted, and no immediate changes to land ownership will be made following the issuance of these notices.
The Chief Minister’s commitment to withdrawing the Waqf notices and safeguarding farmers’ rights reflects the government’s responsiveness to the voices of the agricultural community. It highlights an ongoing struggle between farmers advocating for their rights and bureaucratic decisions that impact their livelihoods. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how effectively the government can manage the tensions surrounding land ownership and Waqf classifications, and whether it can restore trust among the farming communities it serves.
The upcoming months will be crucial for the farmers of Karnataka as they seek to ensure their land remains secure, and as the government works to balance its responsibilities towards various stakeholders involved in land management and agricultural development.
Meanwhile the revenue officials included wakf name in property of prominent mutt sparked outrage among devotees.
The property of Virakta Mutt in Sindagi town, located in the district, is now classified as Waqf property. It is registered as Kabarsthan of Waqf Board under Survey No. 1020. Column No. 11 of the Pahani was vacant when Siddalinga Swamiji was the head of this Math.however, it was added as Waqf Board in 2018-2019. As a result, the devotees of the Math have expressed their outrage.
The devotees have strongly opposed the addition of 1.28 acres of property to the Waqf Board. They are voicing their anger saying a monastery established in the 13th century how become property of Wakf. Additionally, devotees have expressed suspicions that many Hindu Maths in Sindagi Taluk claimed as property of Waqf Board. Following the announcement mutt property the devotees have gathered in front of the Math.
There are allegations that 12,000 acres of land in Honwada village, Vijayapur district, is registered in the name of the Waqf Board. Farmers are outraged, having received notices one after another.
The anger of farmers did not come down amid promises by state Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, wakf minister BA Jamir Ahmed, and district in charge minister MB Patil, who held a press conference confirming that 121 notices were issued and that they will be retracted.
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