Farmers protest airport, rail line projects in Sikar

Jhunjhunu: Farmers staged a protest at the Sikar District Collectorate Monday opposing the proposed airport in the Tarpura area, a railway line linked to a private cement company and several other local demands.Led by MLA Rajendra Pareek, farmer leaders Tarachand Dhayal and Vijendra Singh Kajla, hundreds of farmers and villagers gathered at the Anaj Mandi before taking out a rally to the collectorate. Protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister and Prime Minister and raised slogans against the govt. Farmer leader Vijendra Singh Kajla said the proposed airport would affect fertile agricultural land in the Tarpura area and demanded withdrawal of the project. Protesters also opposed the proposed railway line through Nawalgarh, Beri, Bhajangadh, Jhajhar and Basawa, alleging that it was being planned to benefit a private cement company at the cost of farmers' land. Villagers also demanded construction of a railway overbridge instead of an underpass in the Jerathi-Dadiya area, claiming the underpass would lead to waterlogging during the rainy season. MLA Rajendra Pareek said no project should be implemented without farmers' consent. Farmer leaders warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands were ignored. Police personnel were deployed during the protest.