Non-tribal farmers’ protest enters fourth day in Asifabad over forest land dispute

Around 40 farmers from backward communities have been staging a sit-in since Friday over the disputed land

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: A protest by non-tribal farmers opposing a forest department plantation drive on disputed land entered its fourth day at Jahindipur village in Penchikalpet mandal on Monday.

Around 40 farmers from backward communities have been staging a sit-in since Friday, staying on the land—cooking in the fields and resting under trees—to prevent the plantation of saplings across 160 acres. They claimed their presence was meant to stop officials from encroaching on the land.

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The farmers alleged that it was unjust not to issue land titles to non-tribals and vowed not to vacate the area until justice was served. They warned that the government would be held responsible if any harm came to them during the protest. One of the protesters, Choudari Nagesh, reportedly fell ill and was admitted to a hospital in Kagaznagar.

Forest officials, however, stated that the land falls under reserve forest and that the farmers are ineligible for ownership titles. They clarified that only tribal residents of the village qualify for land rights under the Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006.