Stop on land acquisition process sought
Mangaluru: Members of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti and other organisations carried out a protest near the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday demanding stopping of the process of fixing the rate for lands acquired for the fourth phase of expansion of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL).
The protest was held under the aegis of Karavali Karnataka Janabhivriddhi Vedike that had members of National Fishermen Federation, Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha, Aam Aadmi Party and Jamat-e-Islam.
Addressing the protesters, Vedike Convenor T.R. Bhat said acquisition of land would mean destroying native culture and tradition. He said the city already had enough petrochemical and industrial units and situation was critical. They will not allow acquisition of land that will only add more industries.
William, a farmer and member of the samiti, said industries in the region had polluted air and water and this had hit farmers hard. Ravikiran Ponachha from Raita Sangha said if the government goes ahead with the acquisition, the farmers will launch an agitation owing to which the parties in power will pay dearly in the coming elections. Rajendra Kumar from AAP said Mangalureans will not accept any development at the cost of harm to the environment.
Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S. came to the place of protest to receive the memorandum. He said he was bound by law to complete the process of fixing the price of land being acquired. Agreeing with concerns raised by the protesters, Mr. Senthil said he would place the same before the State government.