Tension prevails for a showdown with the police and authorities, as farmers struggle in Karedu in Nellore district against the land acquisition for corporates will reach 50 days on Monday). Authorities are ready to block the ‘Chalo Karedu’ program that was launched on Monday by various farmer associations and mass organizations to express solidarity with the people of Karedu.
As part of this, the police announced that there is no permission for the program. In addition to Section 30, which is already in force, Section 144 has been declared. Three main roads leading to Karedu village have been blocked. No outsiders are being allowed to enter.
On the other hand, the farmer and mass organizations have announced that they will tour the village, talk to the locals, and organize a meeting to express solidarity. The villagers of Karedu have also appealed to the government to cooperate in organizing the meeting. Arrangements for the meeting have also been started at the local Shiva temple.
However, the police, who ignored their pleas, started making pre-arrests, leading to tense situations in the locality. Mooli Vengaiah, the district secretary of the farmers’ association, who is leading the movement, was arrested in Ulavapadu on Sunday.
The police went there while local CPM leader GVB Kumar was in Singarayakonda and arrested him. Along with several leaders, the police have also kept an eye on several people who are actively participating in the anti-land acquisition struggle. The authorities are taking all precautions to ensure no outsider should enter Karedu under any circumstances.
All the roads leading to Karedu village were closed by Sunday afternoon. Police pickets have been set up at several places and checks are being carried out. Only locals are being allowed into Karedu. If there is any suspicion, they are being sent back or detained.
On Sunday evening, a hundred policemen were deployed in the village for security. Despite this restriction, farmers and people are moving in large numbers to show solidarity with the struggling people of Karedu.
It is known that the government is ready to give land in Karedu to the Indosol company, ignoring strong opposition from land owners. The movement launched by the local people on June 29 against land acquisition has become a topic of discussion across the state.