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Indonesian farmers resist land grab by soldiers

Dozens injured as military, villagers clash amid land dispute
Indonesian farmers resist land grab by soldiers

A move by soldiers to evict farmers from disputed land in Durin Tonggal, in North Sumatra's Deli Serdang district resulted in clashes in which dozens of farmers were injured. (ucanews.com photo)

Published: February 28, 2017 03:14 AM GMT
Updated: February 28, 2017 03:14 AM GMT

Farmers in North Sumatra have appealed to legislators to settle a land dispute after an attempt by soldiers to evict them earlier this month resulted in clashes.

At least 25 farmers were injured when soldiers allegedly tried to move farmers off the land in Durin Tonggal, in Deli Serdang district, and destroy their crops on Feb. 10 and 13.

The farmers said the land, covering about 30 hectares, was theirs and that they had the documents to prove it.

"We have taken our case to the North Sumatra parliament and also to the National Land Agency," Rembah Keliat, one of the farmers, said.

Another farmer, Sapta Tarigan, said the soldiers started issuing threats in January.

"They suddenly appeared and told us to leave," she said.

A housing company, which also claims ownership of the land, hired the soldiers, she alleged.

She said the farmers were now guarding the land round the clock, while they wait for the authorities to settle the dispute.

The soldiers said they were just following orders from their superiors.

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