Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 13: Hundreds of Jokatte residents led by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samiti on Sunday September 13 held a strong protest demanding the closure of coke and sulphur units of MRPL, and against the police, alleging that they were supporting MRPL and SEZ and committing atrocities against Jokatte residents.
In a symbolic protest, scores of people 'handcuffed' themselves and marched from Chokkabettu cross towards Suratkal police station, and then to Suratkal bus stand, where a protest meet was held.
Addressing the protest, DYFI president Muneer Katipalla said, "India is a democratic country bound only by its Constitution. When people of Jokatte and surrounding areas protest against the injustice being done to them, the police silence them. MRPL, SEZ and other such companies are playing with the lives of villagers.
"Jokatte is turning into a hell because of the pollution from MRPL's coke and sulphur units. The residents are suffering from various diseases. Without any concern for people's health, the district administration and the government have joined hands with the companies and have been showing their might on the residents for the past one year," he alleged.
Criticizing the police, he said, "Jokatte panchayat vice-president was assaulted in the middle of the road by Suratkal police inspector Cheluvaraj. Over 20 people including even the elderly aged over 70 years were booked under serious charges in two separate cases in an attempt to send them to jail. Strict and immediate action should be taken against such an anti-people police inspector."
The protestors further alleged that instead of a democratic setup, 'police raj' that functions on the diktats of companies has been imposed on Jokatte. They demanded the immediate closure of MRPL's coke and sulphur units and urged that strict action be taken against those violating laws.
The protestors also shouted slogans against companies, Suratkal police inspector Cheluvaraj and other cops.
DYFI city unit president Imtiaz, Raita Sangha leader Yadav Shetty, Jokatte panchayat member Kodunge Monu, DYFI leader Santhosh Bajal and others were present.