Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Jan 21: MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, and MLA, Abhayachandra Jain, said that they will be steadfastly opposing the land acquisition process for 2,035 acres of land for the second phase of Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ). They were speaking after participating in a programme of interaction organized at Sahodaya Hall in the city on Thursday January 20, by Journalists’ Study Centre here.
Kateel said that he has extended total support to the fight undertaken by Pejavar Samiji in this respect. He said he had visited various villages including Permude and Kudubipadav, for studying problems arising out of land acquisition, and had convinced the state Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, against acquiring additional land for MSEZ second phase. He exuded confidence, that the notification earlier issued about the acquisition of land for second phase, will be withdrawn within two to three months.
He said he will extend wholehearted support for the action the people, who have lost their lands for the project, may undertake to avail of the facilities they are eligible to, within the legal framework. He said he has asked for the suspension of road works being undertaken at the site for the present. He said he will raise the topic in the Lok Sabha during zero hour, and try to provide justice to the affected people.
MLA, Abhayachandra Jain, felt that the district administration has the onus of resolving confusions and problems in the implementation of MSEZ. He said he would not allow acquisition of lands for the MSEZ second phase. He wanted the district in-charge minister to convene a meeting with the district deputy commissioner, officials of Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board and those who have lost their lands for the project, to find an amicable solution to the problems.
Earlier, Giriya Gowda from Kudubipadav, speaking on behalf of those whose lands have been acquired for the project, narrated the problems faced by him.
Zilla panchayat member, Ritesh, Yogish Kotian, taluk panchayat member, and some residents of Kudubipadav were present.