RB Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkal (RJP)

Karkal, Oct 1: “We will start the agitation with the support of patriots. We do not want any support from the naxalites” said Sreedhar Gowda the founder president of Malekudi association in Karkal on Tuesday.

He was speaking at a press conference held ahead of the protest planned to take place in Udupi next week against the implementation of the tiger reserve project.

“We have been living in harmony with the forests for centuries. Soil, water and forest are part of our lives. We initially thought that forest rights act 2006 was beneficial for the people of our region. But after seeing the Madhav Gadgil and Kasturi Rangan reports and after hearing the announcement of Tiger reserve project, fear and anxiety have entered the minds of the farmers of the Western Ghats. We are planning to oppose the project in the district level.” He added.

He said that there is no political motive. He called everyone to support the protest.

When asked about the question of naxalites supporting the protest he said he did want support from them.
He revealed that he procession will start from Manipal MIT at 10 in the morning to reach the deputy commissioner’s office at 10.30 on October 6. Kemmaru Swamiji will inaugurate the protest with blessings.

A special request was made to farmers, labourers and tribal people to participate in the protest. Sundara Gowda the president of Malekudi association and other office bearers were present in the press conference.