Mamata must stop Modi from changing land acquisition act: Patkar

Social activist Medha Patkar Friday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee must "stop" changes in the land acquisition act, slated to be brought in by the Narendra Modi-led central government.

Ahead of her meeting with Banerjee during the day, the leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) said she will bring up this matter during the discussion.

Patkar said: "We think she should stop the changes that are going to happen in the Land Acquistion, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

"Because of the new law, many projects related to land acquisition will not stop," she told reporters on the sidelines of the Environment and Energy Conclave organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

Lauding Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, for the tough stance adopted by her on issues like Special Economic Zones and the Haripur nuclear power plant in Bengal, the activist said more needs to be done in other areas.

"Whenever Mamataji takes a good decision, we appreciate it, whenever she takes a wrong decision, we question it. There are some areas in which she should take a decision."

Patkar said Banerjee should also ensure the Singur farmers should get their land back.

"Under the new law (Section 24) she has the capacity to give the land back and she should ensure that. She had won on the strength of the Singur land movement and therefore, in return their land should be given back," Patkar said, adding the same should be done for the tribal communities in north Bengal's tea gardens.

She said she would also raise the problems of fish farmers in Bengal.