Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 24: State home minister, Dr V S Acharya, said that the government will act on the basis of the recommendations that may be made by Mysore divisional commissioner, M V Jayanthi, in her report. “The government will be trying to retain the agricultural land owned by Gregory with himself,” he assured.

Acharya was reacting to queries raised on the issue by the reporters during the visit of the state Chief Minister (CM) to the city on Monday August 23. Even though the question was directed at the CM, he asked Acharya to give the reply.

“No land acquisition is possible, if over 40% of the people in the designated area refuse to give their land for the project. However, in the case of Gregory, his is the only land that has blocked the expansion project of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. Organic Farming Mission president, Dr A S Anand, has told us about the love Gregory has with agricultural activities. Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt to has expressed his solidarity with Gregory. We have instructed the officials to consider the practicability of letting Patro continue to have his land. Jayanthi, during her spot visit, has collected sufficient information,” Acharya observed.

It may be recalled that the house of Gregory Patrao, a farmer from Kalavar village, was demolished and his agricultural land taken away by the district administration and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board a few months ago. This was done after obtaining favourable orders in a long-drawn battle with the farmer in the state High Court. Following this, Gregory had undertaken a dharna in front of the office of Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner here with the support of various organizations, which was withdrawn after 24 days, taking into consideration the CM’s assurance to return his land.