Understanding the Resistance Trajectories of Land Grabbing: An Endeavour of Santals in Bangladesh

Abstract

Land grabbing and resistance process are widely known phenomena across the globe. The incident of land grabbing meets various forms of resistance and conflict, as land grabbing is accompanied by violence that leads to the eviction. Accordingly, the resistance process produces diverse outcomes – successful or unsuccessful resistance to land grabs – depending on the extent of interactions. To keep that in mind, this paper focuses on ‘claim-making’ and ‘counter claim-making processes’ between the government actors and Santals in Bangladesh, employing the theoretical framework of contentious politics devised by Charles Tilly. To substantiate the resistance trajectories, the study has employed qualitative research methods, in addition to the theoretical approach of contentious politics. Therefore, the study demonstrated the failed resistance campaign (or failing) – appears to be a product of limited opportunity – exacerbated by a frame that failed to universalise the struggle, which compounded the Santal’s marginal status.