Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, May 21: Demanding immediate absorption of people affected by land acquisition for Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) on employment, the affected people staged a protest near Jokatte here on Friday May 20, by obstructing about 15 vehicles carrying machinery and other equipments for MSEZ.

The protest was organized on behalf of the affected people, who have been provided training in different skills, and are yet to be provided with any employment. The organizers said that the protest held on Friday was symbolic, and warned that they will permanently seal the corridor road laid for carrying things and machinery for the project.

“At the end of a prolonged dharna in front of the office of Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner here by the affected unemployed youth, the MSEZ officials had promised to take steps to meet our demands within two weeks. This promise is 55 days old now, but nothing concrete has been done by the concerned to alleviate our problems,” the protestors said.

The protestors were led by Kenjar Ravindra Shetty, Satyajit Suratkal, Vasant Hosabettu, Mahesh Shetty, T A Khader Jokatte etc. Policemen from Panambur station supervised the law and order situation.