Belagavi Farmers Boycott University Meeting in Land Dispute Escalation
Farmers in Belagavi have taken a firm stand against Rani Channamma University. They decided to boycott a meeting called by the university on January 19. This action stems from ongoing tensions over the university's new campus in Hirebagewadi.
Allegations Spark Farmer Anger
The farmers accuse RCU of making decisions that harm their interests. Recent protests erupted after university officials allegedly marked parts of farmers' land for a concrete road. They did this without getting the farmers' consent first. This move angered the local farming community deeply.
Just two days before the planned meeting, farmers stopped university vehicles. They also halted all ongoing work at the site. This included pipeline-laying activities. The farmers issued a clear warning. They said work would not resume until the Vice-Chancellor held discussions with them directly.
University Agreement and Venue Dispute
The university agreed to this demand for talks. However, a new conflict arose over the meeting location. University Registrar Santosh Kamagoudar sent a letter. It scheduled the meeting at the university's new campus in Hirebagewadi.
Farmers objected strongly to this venue. They insisted the VC should visit the affected farmlands instead. They want him to see the damage caused by the university road construction firsthand. Farmers claim the road destroyed their standing crops.
Boycott Decision and Stalled Dialogue
The university did not respond positively to the farmers' demand for a field visit. As a result, the farmers made a decisive move. They chose to stay away from the meeting at the new campus premises. This boycott highlights the deepening rift between the university and the local agricultural community.
The situation remains unresolved. Farmers continue to demand accountability and proper assessment of the damage to their livelihoods. The university's next steps will be crucial in determining whether dialogue can resume.
