Hyderabad: Protests broke out in Pata Thanda village of Mahbubnagar district after podu farmers objected to forest department officials digging on disputed land.
The department had brought in a JCB machine to carry out excavation on what it said was forest land under encroachment. As news spread, local tribal farmers reached the site and blocked the machinery.
Holding up documents they claimed proved ownership, the farmers staged a sit-in in front of the JCB and raised slogans against the government. They alleged that previous administrations had granted them legal rights over the podu lands and issued related documentation.
The farmers said the forest department’s actions now threatened their livelihood and existence.
Police reached the site and managed to disperse the protestors after talks. Forest officials said they would not act against any lands if farmers held valid documentation.
