Living for generations, Kaithal villagers upset over eviction notice

Residents of Theh Polar village in Kaithal district are having sleepless nights after an eviction notice was served on them from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), claiming the land of the village was a protected site. The notice directs the villagers to vacate the land to facilitate fresh excavations on land. The conflict reflects a sensitive intersection of historical preservation and human habitation. With the notice, hundreds of families face uncertainty about their future.

What has happened at Theh Polar village?

Theh Polar village spans approximately 44 acres and houses nearly 650 families. Historically, it was part of the Siwan Assembly constituency but now, falls under the Guhla segment. The ASI has issued fresh notices to the villagers, claiming its ownership. It said it had acquired the land about 100 years ago and it was still in the name of the department.

Why has the ASI issued eviction notices?

A senior official from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana, said the land was part of a Centrally protected archaeological site. The authorities alleged that the current residents had encroached on the land. The ASI wants the area vacated to protect and study it for its historical significance. In the order, it was said that the proceedings were initiated under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, against the villagers for illegal occupation of notified protected site Theh Polar, total area of 48.31 acres. The officials claimed that the notices were issued to the residents on September 6, 2016 and thereafter a second notice was also issued on January 16, 2018 through the Deputy Commissioner, Kaithal office.

What is the historical status of the land?

Official records show that the site was originally acquired by the ASI on September 19, 1925. A final notice regarding the acquisition was issued on December 28, 1925. The land was transferred to the Central Government on December 14, 1960. The physical possession of the site was taken on January 7, 1927 by the ASI authorities.

What do the villagers say?

The villagers oppose the eviction, claiming they have lived on the land for generations. They claimed that the land held immense cultural and religious significance, including associations with Pulastya Muni, the grandfather of the mythological figure, Ravana. There is a Shivling and an old temple in the village, believed to be ancient. Former sarpanch of the village, Sarwan Hans, claimed that earlier excavations by the ASI in 2013, yielded no significant findings. The villagers argue that displacing them now would not only be unfair but inhumane, erasing generations of heritage and community life.

What is the stand of public representatives?

Guhla MLA Devender Hans has extended support to the villagers, assuring them that he will raise the issue across platforms. The villagers also plan to seek help from Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini. They have sought time from them for meetings.

What legal steps are being taken?

As per the locals, the matter has been under legal scrutiny for years, following the first ASI notice. In response to the recent eviction order, the villagers are reportedly collecting funds for legal challenge.