Now, farmers unite against defence airport near Mumbai
Thousands of angry farmers protesting against a proposed defence airport on the outskirts of Mumbai held up traffic, clashed with police and burned down four police vehicles on Thursday. At least 26 people — 12 policemen, 12 locals and two media persons — were injured in the violence.
Local resentment had been building against plans to turn an abandoned World War II airstrip into a defence airport at Nevali, about 45 km northeast of Mumbai. But Thursday’s protests took an unexpected violent turn as farmers whose land had been acquired for the project attacked police personnel. Nearly 600 security personnel from Thane were deployed to contain the situation.
Trouble started on Thursday morning when thousands of farmers from eight villages in Bhal and Nevali areas gathered on the streets to protest the acquisition of land for the airport at Nevali. The agitators, which included men, women and children, held placards and were chanting anti-government slogans. Matters got out of hand when the mob set fire to three trucks and a couple of bikes. Burning tyres were used to block the roads leading to Kalyan and Navi Mumbai.
When the police arrived on the scene, they were attacked and their vehicles burnt. Twelve policemen, including Assistant Commissioner Sunil Patil, sustained injuries when they tried to control the riot-like situation. The police had to use pellet guns to disperse the mob.
The land acquisition issue has been pending before the government for the past 75 years. A local organisation called the Jamin Bachao Andolan Committee had got the farmers together to oppose any attempt to clear the area.
Later, in a statement, Rahul Sinha, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence, said, “The land in reference is owned by the Ministry of Defence (Indian Navy) and state government land records certify the same. The land was acquired by the Ministry of Defence. The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard defence land from further encroachment. The Maharashtra government is fully aware of the case and is providing police protection and support from state/ district administration and revenue authorities.”