Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 15: “Although the Chief Minister, several ministers, MPs and MLAs had promised that the second phase of the proposed Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) will never become a reality, the process of land acquisition for the second phase of  MSEZ has been initiated. If the government begins to acquire land for the second phase of MSEZ, I will undertake indefinite hunger strike,” warned Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday January 14, he said that already 1,800 acres of land has been acquired for the first phase of MSEZ.  “Earlier, it was proposed to acquire an additional 2,035 acres of land for the second phase. After he was convinced of the adverse impact the first phase of MSEZ had on the lives of the people here, the Chief Minister had promised not to give affect to the second phase. However, I learn that 15 acres of land under the second phase was forcibly taken away from the people. The officials have also served notice, informing that four acres of land in Permude village would be taken into possession before January 22,” he explained.

The Swamiji urged the Chief Minister to withdraw the notification regarding the proposed acquisition of 2,035 acres of land under the second phase of MSEZ, and to shelve plans to acquire the four acres of land as above. If the said land is acquired the government, he said, he would initiate his indefinite hunger strike at Permude temple on February 4.

Madhukar Amin of Agricultural Land Conservation Committee, Jagannath Das and Vidya Dinakar were present at the press conference.