Thu Jun 26 14:51:08 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Farmers and activists in Karnataka, India, are protesting the government’s plan to forcibly acquire 1,770 acres of farmland in Devanahalli for industrial development. Samyukta Horata Karnataka led a protest in Ballari, condemning the arrest of farmer leaders and demanding the government halt the acquisition. Farmers have been protesting for over 1,180 days, arguing the land supports their livelihoods and food security. They accuse the government of prioritizing a “land mafia” and betraying farmers, despite earlier promises and existing laws protecting agricultural land. Protesters vow to continue until the land is returned. Various organizations and leaders from across the political spectrum participated in the demonstration.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Farmers Protest Land Acquisition, Accuse Government of Betrayal**
**KALABURAGI, India – June 26, 2025** – Activists and farmers in Karnataka are intensifying their protests against the state government’s plan to acquire 1,770 acres of fertile agricultural land in Devanahalli for industrial development. On Thursday, a large demonstration organized by Samyukta Horata Karnataka took place in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ballari, condemning the arrest of farmer leaders involved in the ongoing agitation.
Protesters are demanding the immediate release of detained leaders and a complete halt to the land acquisition process. They assert that the government’s actions are a betrayal of the farming community, especially after the ruling Congress party previously opposed similar policies when in the opposition.
“The government is actually serving a land mafia at the cost of farmers,” said one agitating farmer, highlighting the frustration with the government’s decision to proceed with the acquisition despite ongoing discussions.
Farmers from 13 villages have been protesting for over 1,180 days, arguing that the land is vital for dairy farming, fruit, and vegetable cultivation, and provides essential livelihoods. They claim the acquisition threatens their food security and economic stability.
Satyababu, district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), accused the government of hypocrisy, stating, “The law in force prevents acquisition of agricultural lands without the consent of farmers. Yet, the State is using both force and legal manipulation to acquire land.”
Numerous organizations and political leaders, including representatives from the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, All India Kisan Khet Majdoor Sangathan, and Dalit Sangharsh Samithi, participated in the protest, demonstrating widespread support for the farmers’ cause.
“This acquisition decision, which is set to push farmers onto the streets, must be revoked,” declared Govind, district president of All India Kisan Khet Majdoor Sangathan.
Protest leaders have vowed to continue their agitation until the land is returned to the farmers. The situation remains tense as the government has yet to respond to the demands.
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