CPI(M) leaders along with residents stage a protest outside the Visakhapatnam Collectorate, demanding a permanent solution to the long-pending ‘Pancha Gramalu’ land dispute and protection of the rights of lawful landowners in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
| Photo Credit: KR DEEPAK
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] staged a protest outside the Visakhapatnam Collectorate on Monday, demanding a permanent resolution to the long-pending ‘Pancha Gramalu’ (five villages) land dispute and protection of the rights of lawful landowners.
A delegation later submitted a memorandum to the District Collector on behalf of thousands of affected residents.
Addressing the protest, CPI(M) Visakhapatnam district secretary M. Jaggu Naidu alleged that the land dispute originated after title deeds were issued in 1996-97 by the then revenue authorities in favour of a temple, despite the 1903 Gilman Survey Report recognising the rights of local residents. He said thousands of families had been facing uncertainty over land ownership for decades.
Mr. Jaggu Naidu contended that the government had previously facilitated registrations and collected stamp duty and registration charges for these properties, but landowners were now unable to exercise their ownership rights. He urged the government to safeguard the rights of legally registered landowners based on revenue records and issue house-site pattas to eligible families residing for decades in Survey No. 275.
The CPI(M) also demanded that, until a permanent settlement is reached, the government ensure that legitimate landowners face no hurdles in property transactions, construction activity or availing bank loans. The party warned that it would intensify its agitation if the issue remained unresolved.
Published – July 06, 2026 09:15 pm IST
