Ranchi:
Supporters of award-winning tribal activist and journalist Dayamani Barla - the face of an anti-land acquisition protest in Jharkhand - took to the streets in Ranchi today to demand her release from jail.
The protests coincide with today's likely court hearing of charges dating back to 2006 that have been brought against Ms Barla, leading to her arrest. Ms Barla, who is lodged in a Ranchi jail, also stands accused of having links with Maoists.
The tribal activist has been at the forefront of an agitation against the acquisition of over 200 acres of farmland in Nagri village, about 15 kilometres from Ranchi, for setting up an IIM and a law university.
Villagers allege Ms Barla was arrested to silence the land protests. While many tribal families have not accepted the compensation offered, some have come together to stop the land from being acquired.
Activist Aruna Roy today came out in support of Ms Barla and her agitation, saying her arrest was unacceptable and the compensation given for the land was not enough.