Protesters renew agitation for land compensation in Siliguri
The Statesman | 12 November 2025
The Porajhar Bhumi Raksha Committee has decided to renew its agitation, demanding proper compensation from the state government for land acquired in the Kawakhali area.
On Monday, Siliguri Police detained several demonstrators — including 11 women — who had gathered near Kawakhali to draw Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s attention as her convoy passed Bagdogra Airport to Uttarkanya. All were released later in the day.
The protesters, under the banner of the Porajhar Bhumi Raksha Committee, demanded the implementation of the compensation package earlier announced by the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA). A section of the unwilling farmers also sought the return of their land, alleging that the state government had leased it to a private developer for a luxury housing and commercial complex instead of using it for public welfare projects.
Addressing a Press conference on Tuesday, agitator Mithu Mallick said the committee is demanding the compensation package agreed upon during the tenure of former minister Asok Bhattacharya, when he was the SJDA chairman.
Mallick alleged that 81 acres of acquired land — valued at Rs 353 crore — were handed over to a private developer for just Rs 78 crore during the period when HIDCO chairman was Firhad Hakim. “When the land was acquired, the state government had assured us it would be used for a new township. But when we saw it being sold to a private developer, we decided to resume our movement,” Mallick said.