By Fr Francis Rodrigues, Raknno
Mangalore, Aug 8: Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore expressed and assured his full pledged support to the ‘Save Niddodi Movement’ that is being led by Matrubhoomi Samrakshana Samithi ® (MSS) as against the fears of loosing thousands of acres of cultivational land in and around Niddodi situated in Kallamundkur Grama Punchayath of Moodbidri Hobali. He listened to the fears of the people through the officials of MSS in Bishop’s House today August 8th.
‘This is a people oriented movement by the people as to save the land, greenery and the healthy ecology of the rural scenario. We need to protest against Ultra Mega Power Project like projects which would take away our cultivation, nature and identity of farmer class. We need to stop such projects from their very inception lest we should lose our battle. I congratulate you, the people of the locality who are extremely cautious in-spite of the fact that no official information is shared with you with regard to UMPP’ said Bishop of Mangalore to the officials of MSS.
‘Be united till the end in this movement transcending the parameters of religion and creed. See that no one shows support in the front and acts the opposite at the back. We are fully with you in your people oriented movement and I have already expressed this to the members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and requested the support. If God is with us no one can be against us in this movement’ opined the Bishop.
While the MSS officials thanked the Bishop for the support given, appealed to him to communicate the fears and demands of the parishioners of Niddodi, Sampige, Kateel, Kinnigoli, Kirem, Pakshikere, Mulky, Neerude, Ferar, Moodbidri etc. to the state as well central governments.
‘The Nandikoor UPCL can produce 1200 M.W. power but just 300 M.W. is being produced because supplying more power through the wires would bring in much more side effects to the people above whose houses the power is moved. And we will be victims of 4000 M.W. of power. We need our land, fields and the green nature. No amount of incentives and promises will change our mind and outlook’ said Alphonse D’Souza, the president of MSS.
‘The people will take oath in their respective temples, mosques and churches as to support the movement and as to not to part with the land. Every house will attach a sticker in front of their house showing their voluntary support to the ‘Save Niddodi Movement’’ said Valerian Sequeira, the director of MSS.
‘We are united and we will be united in this fight till the end’ said Poovappa Gowda the executive president of MSS. In the days to come a huge protest would be organized in Moodbidri for which too the bishop expressed his support.
Vinodhara Suvarna, the Secretary of MSS was present.