Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Stanly Bantwal
Daijwiorld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Sep 27: Like-minded groups, including Catholic Sabha, ICYM, YCS, and Mother Theresa Vichara Vedike, staged a massive protest against illegal sand mining in the district and the administration’s apathy towards the issue on Friday, September 27, in front of Mini Vidhana Soudha in Mangaluru.
The protest aimed to raise awareness about the illegal sand mining allegedly carried out with the tacit approval of local officials. Several prominent leaders, including Alwyn D'Souza, president of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru, former presidents Stany Lobo and Dolphie D’Costa, and Fr Manohar, parish priest of Farangipet Church, were present to support the cause.
Addressing the issue of illegal sand mining, Muneer Katipalla, leader of the CPI(M) Karnataka, accused the geology and mining department and local police of being complicit in the illegal activity. He alleged that officials are protecting sand transport vehicles and accepting monthly bribes to turn a blind eye to the operations. Katipalla further claimed that all major political parties are supporting these illegal mafias. Despite continuous media coverage by outlets like Daijiworld and numerous protests by residents of Pavoor Uliya, authorities remain unresponsive.
Katipalla expressed deep concern for the residents of Pavoor Uliya, stating that the lives of 40 families are under threat due to the unchecked illegal mining. He warned of stronger protests if the administration fails to take immediate action.
Addressing the crowd at the protest, Sunil Kumar Bajal emphasized that the fight is not just for Pavoor Uliya but also for Ullal Hoige and Ranipura. He stated that although the affected residents are few in number, the support for their cause is widespread across the district. "This protest is between the administration and the common people. The thousands gathered here stand with the island residents, and we will continue to fight until justice is served," Bajal said.
Roy Castelinho, another speaker, voiced his frustration with local authorities. He stated, "We have lost faith in the administration. The district commissioner and departmental officials are ignoring our efforts to expose this illegal sand mining. This suggests their involvement in the destruction of an entire island." Castelinho vowed to shift the fight to the streets, stating that the people are united against the ongoing injustice.