AlinaKarnataka Assures Farmers Land Safety
Karnataka Government Clarifies Waqf Land Situation
On Monday, the Karnataka government issued an official statement to clarify the ongoing concerns surrounding land classified as Waqf property in Vijayapura district. In a joint press conference, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, and Vijayapura District In-charge Minister M.B. Patil reassured farmers and the public that only 11 acres in the village of Honavada belong to the Waqf Board. This statement comes amidst political tensions, with the government affirming that farmers’ land is safe from any acquisition by the Waqf Board.
Waqf Land Breakdown in Vijayapura District
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda explained the detailed distribution of Waqf land in Vijayapura district, stating that out of the original 14,201.32 acres of Waqf property:
- 11,835.29 acres were granted to farmers under the Land Reforms Act.
- 1,459.26 acres were allocated under the Inam Abolishment Act.
- 137 acres were acquired for various public projects.
- Only 773 acres remain under Waqf control.
Byre Gowda clarified that the recent Karnataka Waqf land clarification arose due to concerns in Honavada village, Tikota taluk, where only 11 acres belong to Waqf, dispelling rumors that hundreds of acres were at risk of being taken from farmers.
Honavada Land Record Correction and Farmer Assurance
The issue of Waqf land in Honavada stems from a 1974 notification that mistakenly included “Honavada” under “Vijayapura Mahalbagayata.” This error was corrected in 1977, affirming that the only Waqf land in Honavada is limited to 11 acres. Minister Byre Gowda assured farmers that no eviction notices have been issued for their lands in Honavada, further reinforcing the Karnataka Waqf land clarification aimed at ensuring farmers that their lands are secure.
Land Record Issues in Indi Taluk
In Indi taluk, the Karnataka government acknowledged a procedural lapse where a local Tahsildar had updated land records for 41 properties without following the required protocol of prior notification. Minister Byre Gowda assured farmers that they could present land records dating before 1974 to the Assistant Commissioner for verification. Any lands confirmed as farmer-owned will be formally denotified, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding farmer lands under the Karnataka Waqf land clarification.
District Task Force and Record Verification
To address discrepancies and ensure transparency, a task force has been established under the leadership of the Vijayapura District Commissioner. This task force will cross-check records from both Waqf and revenue departments dating back to 1964–1973 to accurately verify land status. Minister M.B. Patil emphasized the government’s dedication to clarifying misunderstandings and providing farmers with a transparent overview of the land distribution. He accused the BJP of attempting to politicize the Karnataka Waqf land clarification issue to gain leverage in upcoming elections, particularly in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
Waqf Minister’s Reassurance to Farmers
Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan also addressed the media, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ rights. He stated that only 11 acres in Honavada belong to Waqf, countering claims that up to 1,200 acres were under Waqf control. “We do not want any land owned by farmers,” Khan said, affirming that the Waqf Board’s goal is solely to update Waqf land records without interfering with privately owned farmlands. This statement was integral to the Karnataka Waqf land clarification, which aims to dispel public misconceptions.
Encroached Waqf Land and Legal Disputes in Vijayapura
Minister Khan also shared that around 1,345 acres of Waqf land in Vijayapura have been encroached upon without proper authorization. Of this, 26 acres are currently under legal dispute in court, while 1,319 acres remain in unauthorized possession by various individuals and institutions. He clarified that these encroachments will be addressed through legal avenues but assured that there is no intention to acquire any land beyond these encroached properties. This stance reinforces the Karnataka Waqf land clarification policy to focus on safeguarding the rights of legitimate landholders.
Misinformation and Political Implications
The ministers expressed concern over misinformation, particularly regarding recent claims by Vijayapura MLA Basana Gowda Patil Yatnal. Minister Khan mentioned that Yatnal had been invited to attend a Waqf Adalat in Vijayapura but did not attend. Following this, Yatnal allegedly spread inaccurate information, causing unnecessary confusion. The government reiterated its commitment to transparency and cooperation with any fact-finding missions led by opposition parties, especially BJP representatives, to allow a fair review of the Karnataka Waqf land clarification records.
Conclusion: Farmers’ Land Remains Secure in Karnataka
The Karnataka government’s recent statements and the Karnataka Waqf land clarification initiative confirm that only 11 acres of Waqf land exist in Honavada, with no risk posed to other lands. The government has reaffirmed that it has no intentions of acquiring farmers’ land, working instead toward transparency in land records to maintain public trust.
Disclaimer:
This article presents information on the Karnataka government’s clarification regarding Waqf land. For specific details, consult official sources or legal advisors.
