“We had hoped that if we got our land back, we would either resume farming or sell it off at a good price,” said a farmer.

The local CPM has not lost all hopes though. Dibakar Das, a local CPM leader, said: “We know that the Nano project has been shifted. But Tatas never said they would not build any industry here. We will request the government to persuade the Tatas to set up some other industry here.”

Residents are, however, not so optimistic. Sheikh Jiarul, a resident of Joymollah village who willingly gave his land for the project, said: “ Some people are saying that the Tatas might set up something else here. But I think that the Tatas have gone forever, at least as far as Singur is concerned.”

The local youths, who supplied building materials and other minor items to the factory and the ancillary units, carried out a procession in Singur market on Tuesday. They sat on a dharna outside the Tata factory’s gate and decided to approach the Governor and the Prime Minister to intervene in the Singur issue. “We want the Tatas to come back. We will appeal to them,” said Raju Mal, a youth.