A public mobilisation is being planned in Lalkuan on 27 September over Bindukhatta’s demand for revenue-village status and permanent flood protection along the Gola River. The programme is expected to include a march followed by a sit-in demonstration.
The rally will begin at the Shaheed Smarak and proceed to Lalkuan tehsil. The Forest Rights Organisation Bindukhatta is coordinating the campaign, according to its president, Umesh Bhatt.
What the organisation is seeking
The organisation says Bindukhatta has been awaiting an official notification granting it revenue-village status. It is also calling for the government to begin the settlement process connected with that status.
According to the organisation, a proposal has already been sent to the government for issuing the notification and starting the settlement procedure. However, it says the notification has not yet been issued.
The second demand concerns construction of a permanent embankment beside the Gola River. The planned protest is intended to draw attention to both issues through a single public campaign.
March underway since 15 August
Bindukhatta residents have been conducting a foot march since 15 August, the organisation said. The 27 September event is planned as the next major stage of that campaign.
Organisers have estimated that between 10 and 20 thousand people could attend the rally and subsequent protest. This figure is an expectation expressed by the organisation, not a confirmed attendance count.
The march route from the Shaheed Smarak to Lalkuan tehsil will bring the demonstration to an administrative centre. The sit-in is proposed to take place after the rally reaches the tehsil premises.
Conclusion
The proposed 27 September mobilisation will focus on Bindukhatta’s pending revenue-village notification, the settlement process and a permanent Gola River embankment, with organisers expecting between 10 and 20 thousand participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the Bindukhatta rally planned?
The rally is planned for 27 September.
Q. Where will the rally begin?
It will start at the Shaheed Smarak.
Q. Where will the march end?
The procession is planned to travel to Lalkuan tehsil.
Q. What are the main demands?
The demands are revenue-village status for Bindukhatta and a permanent embankment along the Gola River.
Q. When did the foot march begin?
The organisation said residents began the foot march on 15 August.
Q. Who is coordinating the campaign?
The Forest Rights Organisation Bindukhatta is coordinating the campaign, according to president Umesh Bhatt.
Q. What is planned after the rally?
A sit-in and protest demonstration are proposed after the march.
Q. How many people may attend?
Organisers have estimated attendance between 10 and 20 thousand people.
