rsdalal
September 26th, 2011, 07:40 AM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15015767
A group of farmers is suing the Indian government for taking away the land of their ancestors to build the country's capital, New Delhi, 100 years ago.
The farmers say that the government's most important buildings, including the parliament, the president's house, the Supreme Court and India Gate - the country's main war memorial - were constructed on their fields by India's then British rulers, who also destroyed their homes.
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“
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The British threatened everyone with guns”
Pershu Ram
Villager
They claim that most of their families received no compensation, and that they have lived in poverty in a village 40km (25 miles) outside Delhi ever since.
Their lawyers say that they are taking the Indian government to court because it assumed the liabilities of the British after independence in 1947.
But if their case fails, they say they will consider taking up the matter in London.
"Our forefathers hardly got any money for their land. We want our dignity back. India is now a democracy and we want justice," community leader Satish Kumar said.
"We request the president and the prime minister to listen to our woes."
A group of farmers is suing the Indian government for taking away the land of their ancestors to build the country's capital, New Delhi, 100 years ago.
The farmers say that the government's most important buildings, including the parliament, the president's house, the Supreme Court and India Gate - the country's main war memorial - were constructed on their fields by India's then British rulers, who also destroyed their homes.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
The British threatened everyone with guns”
Pershu Ram
Villager
They claim that most of their families received no compensation, and that they have lived in poverty in a village 40km (25 miles) outside Delhi ever since.
Their lawyers say that they are taking the Indian government to court because it assumed the liabilities of the British after independence in 1947.
But if their case fails, they say they will consider taking up the matter in London.
"Our forefathers hardly got any money for their land. We want our dignity back. India is now a democracy and we want justice," community leader Satish Kumar said.
"We request the president and the prime minister to listen to our woes."