Ranchi: Opposition to the proposed RIMS-2 medical college and hospital project intensified on Thursday as hundreds of villagers, farmers and tribal community members staged a protest in Ranchi’s Nagri area, objecting to the acquisition of fertile agricultural land for the project.
Under the banner of various tribal organisations and the Nagri Zameen Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, protesters marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence to press their demands. However, police and administrative officials stopped the procession near Kanke Block Chowk, preventing it from moving further.
The protesters argued that while they support development and improved healthcare infrastructure, the government should identify barren or non-agricultural land for such projects instead of using productive farmland. According to them, the land earmarked for the project is highly fertile and serves as the primary source of livelihood for many farming families in the area.
Participants in the agitation said the issue goes beyond land acquisition, touching upon their identity, culture and future generations. They maintained that development should not come at the cost of displacing farming communities or destroying cultivable land.
A large number of men, women and youths joined the demonstration, highlighting the growing local resistance to the project. To contain the march, authorities erected barricades near Kanke Block Chowk and attempted to redirect the protesters towards the Kanke Block Office.
The demonstrators said they would continue raising their concerns through democratic means and explore alternative ways to reach the government if denied access through the designated route.
Security was tightened in the area, with additional police personnel deployed to maintain law and order. Officials were also engaged in discussions with the protest lead.
With inputs from IANS