Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SM/NR)

Mangalore, Oct 29: “Those who have lost land at Permude, Delanthabettu, Thenka Yekkar and Kutthethur villages should unite together, only then will the government be unable to acquire land for the proposed Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) and PCPIR”, advised Dr Devinder Sharma, the chairperson for Forum for Biotechnology & Food Security (New Delhi).

Dr Sharma was speaking, while participating in a discussion held with the aforesaid land losers. The said meeting was organized under the aegis of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi at the Billava Sabha Bhavana in Permude here, on Sunday October 28.

Urging to emulate the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Sharma exhorted the campaigners to go on Satyagraha for acquiring land in a similar manner as to how the great Mahatma resorted to Satyagraha, to gain independence for the country.

According to Dr Sharma the government was destroying the farmers by acquiring land from them. “The condition of the farmers of India is worse then the cattle of America”, he declared agitatedly and further lamented “The government is cheating the farmers by encouraging SEZ and this can be prevented only through agitation by farmers”, he pointed out.

The villagers too, were thrilled to hear Dr Sharma’s speech and sought more cooperation from Dr Sharma in their struggle against SEZ.

Madhukar Amin, president of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi (KBSS), William D’Cunha and Shaila Sequeira, members of zilla panchayat and presidents of four gram panchayats were present at the public meet.