Mangalore: Groups in Support of and Against MSEZ Fight in Swamijis' Presence
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Bajpe / Mangalore, Nov 17: Verbal duel soon turned physical between the two groups, one supporting the Mangalore Special Economic Zone(MSEZ) and the other, opposing it, in the presence of the swamijis who had arrived at Kudibipadav near Permude on Sunday November 16.
There has been an ongoing dispute over the block of 15.3 acres of agricultural land located in Perumude Kudubi Padav, proposed to be acquired for the MSEZ. The local people have been refusing to hand over land to the MSEZ and are opposed to the demolition of certain religious centres of worship, while the MSEZ claims that the said land has been transferred to it.
To ascertain actual facts, Sri Vishweshateerta Swamiji of Pejawar Math, Kolya Sri Ramananda Swamiji, Gurpur Vajradehi Math Sri Rajashekharananda Swamiji and Kemar Math Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji had arrived at Kudubi Padav. When the swamijis were getting the version of the local people, MSEZ officials came there and placed their side of the story and arguments, supported by documents. The local people belonging to Kudubi community vehemently said that they had not parted with their lands. "We are illiterate. Our lands are being acquired by the MSEZ forcefully and illegally," they claimed. The MSEZ officials refuted this allegation.
When the local people started to shout that the MSEZ officials have resorted to forgery, the environment hotted up. When the swamijis were gathering information about the claims and counter-claims from the president of Krushi Samrakshana Samiti, Madhukar Amin, some MSEZ supporters chided him, by saying that he does not have the locus standi to provide any information nor was he authorised to do so. These comments drew violent protests, resulting into pushing and jostling among the two groups. The policemen in plain clothes then intervened and brought the situation under control. They ensured that the situation does not give rise to unsavoury incidents.
Speaking on behalf of the Swamijis, Pejavar Swamiji said that himself and other Swamijis had come there to get first-hand information. "In our presence, goondaism was resorted to , which is unacceptable. Inspite of allegations and counter-allegations, we want to find out actual facts. The Kalavaru Benkinatheshwara temple will not be shifted out. However, the shifting of Daivastanas will be allowed," he told the reporters.
MSEZ chief operating officer A G Pai said that the company has acquired the lands legally and foundation stone had been laid for the project accordingly. He said that the Daivastanas would be shifted out from the place. The MSEZ acquisition was delayed as the people cultivated the lands here and the land here is in the name of MSEZ, he claimed.
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