Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 28: The Adi Udupi Traders Union staged a protest at the APMC Adi Udupi yard, demanding the cancellation of a land lease cum sale agreement executed by APMC authorities. The agreement pertains to a 54-cent land deed that was initially reserved for retail traders to conduct their business.

During the protest held on June 28, Raghavendra Uppoor, executive of the State Farmers Morcha, questioned the APMC authorities, saying, "If APMC officials sell land to a few people under a lease cum sale arrangement, where should farmers sell their produce? APMC was established to ensure fair prices for farmers' produce. The authorities assumed that the people of Udupi would remain quiet and never raise their voice against them. However, if the authorities treat us unjustly, we know how to hold them accountable. I urge the authorities not to underestimate us. They must acknowledge their corrupt activities and report them to the government. The lease cum sale agreement must be revoked, and the land should be returned for the welfare of farmers and retailers."

Speaking about the facilities at APMC, Uppoor stated, "We are aware of the substantial amount of tax collected from farmers and traders by the authorities. However, there has been no development in APMC. There are no washroom facilities or cleanliness. There are many elected representatives working for the welfare of the people, but the authorities never approach them; instead, they seek help from private organizations. If the authorities do not revoke the lease cum sale agreement, they will be responsible for disturbing the peace in the city."

Uday Kumar Shetty, regional leader of BJP Mangalore division, expressed his disappointment during the protest, saying, "APMC was established for the farmers, by the farmers, and for the farmers. I never imagined that our authorities would deceive us. Previously, we had a rental system, but we never had a lease system. Even when a request for a lease system was made, it was rejected. If the land is given to a few individuals under a lease cum sale arrangement, they will begin to dominate other traders. A thorough investigation must take place regarding this issue. The authorities must revoke the lease cum sale agreement, or else we will continue protesting. If we do not protest, the authorities will start misusing their power."

During the protest, a memorandum was submitted to MLA Yashpal Suvarna. On this occasion, MLA Yashpal Suvarna assured that he will always work for the welfare of the people and strive to provide justice. He stated that he would review all the relevant documents and inform the District Commissioner (DC). After verifying all the documents, he will take the necessary steps. He also mentioned that strict action will be taken against any authority found engaging in illegal activities, and financial support will be sought from the government for the development of APMC.

Various individuals, including Vijay Kodavoor (municipality member), Subhashith Kumar (president of Udupi district farmers association), Andaru Deviprasad Shetty (president of Udupi chamber of commerce and industry), Ragavendra Rao (chief of Kodavoor Shankara Narayana temple), Chinmay Moorthi (vice president of the district Modi Brigade), Ajith Kumar (district president of Hindu Yuva Sena), as well as municipality members Prabhakar Poojary, TG Hegde, Manjunath Shettigar, and Shyam Prasad Shetty (president of APMC), were present during the protest.