Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Nov 18: The activists of All India Agricultural Workers' Union (AIAWU), Karnataka Party Raitha Sangha (KPRS) and Centre of Indian Trade Union jointly staged a protest, demanding land, housing sites and shelter for poor, in front of District Commissioner’s office, Rajathadri, Manipal here on Friday, November 18. 

As many as 13 organizations were part of the protest demanding land, housing sites and shelter. 

A protest march was also organized, which commenced from Tiger circle, Manipal and ended in front of DC’s office. The protesters were seen shouting slogan such as ‘Land is our right’.

Addressing the protesters, Dasu Bandhari said, “From the last three to four years, more than 12,000 landless families are looking for housing sites in three taluks of Udupi district. After a long term movement, the concerned department finalized the list of landless families, but marking of land and distribution process of title deeds is yet to start. The process of distribution of RTC for 94C and 94CC beneficiaries has not started.” 

Bhandari added, “The government is ignoring the interest of farmers, agriculturists and labourers by avoiding their demands. Hence the leaders of various organizations decided to hold ‘Jail Bharo’ movement in state wide protest.”   

After receiving the memorandum from the protesters, DC Venkatesh said, “We have reserved 165 acres of land for landless families in the district excluding forest land. The district authority has instructed all respective tahsildars to take up survey process at the earliest. Nearly 7000 applications have been settled related to illegal land, 18,000 applications are yet to be settled.” 

“In addition to this, nearly 25,000 applications have been disposed under Akrama-Sakrama and 39,000 applications are yet to be disposed. A joint meeting will be called within a month to discuss on land issues,” added DC.  

Kaviraj S, State committee member, Dasu Bandhari, president, Venkatesh Koni, chief secretary of AIAWU, Vishwanath Rai, president, CITU, K Shankar, chief secretary and others were present.