from Lionel Pinto
for Daijiworld Media Network –Mangalore (SM)

Mangalore, Oct 1: People residing in Kinnigoli and surrounding villages are anxious, after reading an article that was published recently in a leading Kannada daily.It stated that the government is planning to create a special economic zone (SEZ) around Kinnigoli for which it  is planning to acquire nearly 8.500 acres of land.

For creating awareness among the people regarding the SEZ and its impact on the society, ‘Chintana-Kinnigoli’ a social organization comprising scholars, professors, businessmen and others organized a awareness camp at  Anugraha Sabhagrabh' in Kinnigoli on Sunday September 30.

Prof B M Kumaraswamy, retired principal and director of Swadeshi Jagarana Manch from Shimoga presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Kumaraswamy explained the people about the SEZ and lambasted the government over the open economical policy.

He further said that due to globalization, rich people are become richer and middle class and poor people are the sufferers. He also said that the government is neglecting the farmers and agriculture and is adopting globalization. Due to this effect, in the last one year nearly ten thousand farmers committed suicide all over the country.

In SEZ government does not acquire the land, but it will tell the private companies to negotiate with farmer and acquire the land by giving them attractive prices, he informed.

Even though these private companies are acquiring land with the help of the middle men by giving compensation to the farmers and land owners, the government does not have any rehabilitation programmed to the effected people.

He further advised the people to unite and oppose this plans which is harmful to the society and for our future.

Dr Sonde Bhaskar Bhatt of Swadesh Jagaran Manch welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks. Nearly 400 people of Kinnigoli and surrounding villages were present.