Patna, August 26: Tensions ran high in Patna on Tuesday as student organizations protesting recruitment and examination issues joined farmers opposing the proposed Patliputra Greenfield Satellite Township.
Police set up barricades in several locations to prevent student demonstrators from marching towards Lok Bhawan.
In response to the police actions, Bankipur MLA Prashant Kishor stated that recent events have showcased the strength of democracy. He noted that officials now think twice before using force against protesters, calling it a positive change.
Kishor urged the government to heed the legitimate demands of students and farmers, emphasizing that such concerns cannot be suppressed. He addressed issues like the alleged privatization and commercialization of education, the rising influence of coaching institutes, exam paper leaks, increasing unemployment, and growing discontent among the youth.
He warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to significant student movements in the future.
When journalists informed him that student candidates were seeking him out, Kishor mentioned that he is already in Patna and actively engaging with the community.
Alongside the student protests, farmers from Punpun, Naubatpur, Masaurhi, Fatuha, and surrounding areas demonstrated against the township project. Kishor supported their concerns, alleging that the government’s land policy could benefit large industrialists at the expense of farmers.
He claimed that valuable agricultural land could be transferred at low prices, arguing that implementing this policy in Bihar would be challenging. He warned that attempts to acquire large areas of fertile land could lead to widespread unrest.
Farmers stated that their agricultural land is their primary source of livelihood, allowing them to grow three crops a year. They argued that relinquishing their land would jeopardize their families’ ability to meet educational, marriage, and other essential expenses. The protesters demanded that the government reconsider the proposed acquisition, asserting their unwillingness to leave their land.
The District Magistrate, SSP, and SP of Patna visited the protest site to engage in discussions with farmer representatives, attempting to resolve the matter through dialogue.
The Bihar government has proposed developing 12 townships across the state, including the Patliputra Greenfield Satellite Township. Farmers opposing the Patna project argue that their agricultural land should not be acquired for development.
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