Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 29: Permude gram panchayat has decided on Tuesday July 29 that no more gram sabhas will be organized till the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) stops acquisition proceedings in respect of lands located within its jurisdiction, in response to its earlier demand.

Kudubipadav villagers and members of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti had demanded the mass resignation of the panchayat members, charging them with failure to protect the interests of the villagers.

Gram panchayat president Keshav Devadiga informed the press that the panchayat had earlier asked Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board, district deputy commissioner and the taluk tahsildar, recording its objection to the acquisition proceedings for MSEZ, more than six months ago. None of the authorities cared to respond to the letter, he said.

Even though gram sabhas will be put on hold, development works will continue to be executed by using government grants. The panchayat will once again write to the authorities including the district in charge minister explaining the problems of the villagers and urging them to stop the land acquisition, he said.