Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)

Mangalore, Feb 27: The residents of Kalavar which comes under the jurisdiction of Bala village have decided to picket the office of Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), here on Thursday February 28.

The protesters alleged that the authorities did not conduct proper evaluation of their lands which were acquired for setting up MSEZ. They also stated that the compensation package does not do justice to what they have lost.

Approximately 1785 acres of land was identified in their village for setting up of MSEZ. Venu Vinod Shetty, who was imprisoned at Bellary for leading the protest against setting up of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) in the past will once again take the lead of agriculturists’ struggle for better compensation.  

Meanwhile, it was decided to picket KIADB office initially and proceed to picket the office of deputy commissioner.

Wealthy landlords’ folly: The issue of a few wealthy landlords harassing the poor peasants was also discussed by the villagers. The villagers decided that they will not be lured by by wealthy landlords to  part with their lands for petty compensation. Some of them alleged that the wealthy landlords had already struck a better deal with MSEZ authorities.  

Moreover, MSEZ officers were going around the area threatening the residents including those living in rented accommodations to vacate their houses. The officers were even luring the residents living in rented quarters with promises to pay Rs 3,000 as rent till they arrange rehabilitation. However, none of them are willing to vacate their houses, as they do not want to part with their age-old worship centers. 

Lokesh Shetty, president of Bala gram panchayat, Gregory Patrao, vice-president, T A Khader, taluk panchayat member, Muktanand Melant and a large number of residents were present.