Dalit Land Rights Defended Amid Ongoing Kadapa Hunger Strike Protest

USPA NEWS - As the relay hunger strike at the Kadapa RDO office entered its 12th day, Dalit leaders and civil rights activists intensified their demand for the protection of lands allotted to Dalits in Old Kadapa. Venkateshwarlu, State Vice President of the Civil Rights Association, voiced strong criticism against upper-caste land encroachments and pledged unwavering support to the struggle for land justice.

“Should Dalits always work as labourers on the fields of upper castes? Should not they have the right to farm their own land?” asked Venkateshwarlu, who inaugurated the day’s protest.

Dalit Rights Group Continues Protest On 12th Consecutive Day

On Friday, the Dalit Tribal Rights Struggle Association continued its relay hunger strike at the Kadapa RDO office, entering the 12th day of its protest. The agitation centers around allegations that lands granted to Dalits by the government are being systematically encroached upon by upper-caste individuals with the support of corrupt officials.

“Should Dalits always work as labourers on the fields of upper castes? Should not they have the right to farm their own land?” asked Venkateshwarlu, who inaugurated the day’s protest.

Upper-Caste Land Grabs Condemned By Civil Rights Leader

Venkateshwarlu lashed out at the ongoing attempts to dispossess Dalits of their land:

“Those who own thousands of acres cannot tolerate a Dalit having even a single cent. They are using fake documents, money, and political power to rob Dalits of their land,” he said.

He warned that such practices not only violate constitutional rights but also deepen caste-based oppression in rural Andhra Pradesh.

Civil Rights Association Backs Dalit Agitation

Venkateshwarlu pledged full support from the Civil Rights Association to the agitating Dalit groups. He confirmed that the association would join future direct action protests and continue the legal and social fight until the issue is resolved in favor of the rightful Dalit landholders.

“The land allotted by the government must remain with Dalits. We will fight until that land is returned to them.”

Protesters Reiterate Demand For Revenue Accountability

Protesters reiterated their call for revenue officials to intervene and provide justice. They accused certain officials of enabling land encroachments and demanded legal action and land restoration.

Those sitting in the relay hunger strike included Venkata Subbaiah, Diwakar, Hanumanthu, Palamma and Obulamma.

Wide Participation From Community Leaders

The protest drew support from several public and association leaders including Venkateshu and Madagalam Prasad (Honorary Presidents, Dalit Tribal Rights Struggle Association); Obayya, Chinna Subbaiah, and Obulesu

They called on the government to uphold the land rights of marginalized communities, stating that land is not just property but a symbol of self-respect and livelihood.