Residents of Salaji layout in Sukuta whose lands were seized by government have been compensated with 324 new plots of land.

The compensation came two weeks after violent clashes between police and residents following the demolition of homes in the layout that the Ministry of Lands claimed were government reserved lands.

During the clashes police arrested several of the protesters including community leaders before grant them bail.

In a dramatic u-turn the government has extended an olive branch to the residents of Salaji and compensated those whose lands were seized.

“We are ready to work with the communities across the country to ensure the safeguarding of their rights with regards to land issues when violated by the government,” the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Regional Affairs said at a press conference on Tuesday.