The Hindu
MANGALORE, Jul 23: Activists who oppose the setting up of the Mangalore Special Economic Zone, adopted the "Munnabhai" style of protest here on Tuesday to register their disapproval against the acquisition of "fertile" lands for the project.
The Karnataka Janabhivrudhi Vedike, the Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti and other organisations representing people form Bajpe, Permade, Kalavar and Tenka Ekkar, offered fruits, coconuts, flowers, and medicinal plants such as the "Tulsi" as a mark of protest.
Their representatives said officials were trying to violate stipulations laid down by the Government which had proscribed acquisition of fertile lands. In the absence of Special Land Acquisition Officer Prabhulinga Kavalkatti, the activists gave the "gifts" to a junior officer and requested him to place them on the former's table. They also gave the official greeting cards and placed placards on his table urging a change in heart. They also gave photographs of standing crops on the lands allegedly declared barren.