Posted on 11/08/2010 6:32:19 AM PST by markomalley
A Catholic farmer in southern India has decided to stop farming after losing a protracted battle to save his ancestral land and house.
“How long can I fight? This would be my last harvest in the land that my family has cultivated for more than 160 years,” said Gregory Patrao.
The farmer began an indefinite hunger strike in front of the District Commissioner’s Office from June 17 demanding the return of his property.
He ended it 24 days later following an assurance from the state chief minister that his land would not be taken. However, the state’s regional commission still asked him to give up his land and accept government compensation.
Patrao’s land and house in Kalavar, a village 20 kilometers from Mangalore, is in the way of a proposed extension of plant belonging to Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, a subsidiary of India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
Local administration demolished Patrao’s house on April 28 after the state High Court dismissed his challenge to the compulsory acquisition of his 5.77-hectare plot.
Church people and NGOs said Patrao’s decision to quit has discouraged hundreds of farmers who have lost their land.
Several multi-religious organizations and Religious had supported Patrao’s fight for justice.
His parish priest, Father John Mendonca, said that “a model fight for the future has failed abruptly.” The priest added that only Patrao had the courage to fight among hundreds of farmers who have lost their land.
Church NGO director Father Onil D’Souza said the government plans to acquire another 2,035 acres of land (823.88 hectares) for industrial development. The Church, he added, opposes “unjust” land acquisition and demolition of houses.
“If the land owners do not want to fight, others cannot support them,” he said.
It may not be just but it is hardly new or news.
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