Hakkotaya Jatha organized in protest against MSEZ

Hakkotaya Jatha organized in protest against MSEZ

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Apr 3: The Hakkotaya Jatha and Satyagraha was organized as a part of “Save the agriculture, nature, and culture of Tulunad Campaign” at Nehru Maidan on April 3, Saturday. Seer of Pejawar Mutt Shri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji inaugurated the Jatha by giving the flag to K Somanath Nayak, the president of Nagarika Seva Trust. The Seer also declared that he will not permit industrialists to grab agricultural land against the wish of farmers. The CM has assured that the matter will be settled after discussing it with the farmers; however, if the government approves MSEZ, he will go on a hunger strike again, he said, adding that he will never let go of the land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Seer cited the example of Nagarjuna, which was established in Udupi. People were assured that their lands will not be harmed; however, as the days passed, the water of the well became salty.

Shri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Sandipani Ashram, Kemaru, said that the world was corrupt, explaining that the ministers who strongly opposed Nagarjuna when it was established are now working for its development. He also said that people are now used to living with frauds. He admitted the necessity of science and technology for development; however science and technology beyond limit is not good for people, he said. The Swamiji also urged the people to fight against land mafia activities taking place in society.

Somanath Nayak said in his introductory speech that ministers are unwilling to support the common people in their fight against MSEZ; on the contrary, social and religious leaders are rendering their full support. Saying that the chief minister’s evasive answers create confusion in Mangalore, he urged the CM to give a clear and definite answer regarding MSEZ.

Kodihalli Chandrashekar, the president of the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association, said that the state government appears to be bent on destroying the fertile land of the state. He accused the CM of having forgotten the farmers, who are currently overburdened with loans. He declared that the farmers know how to take the power away from the CM. He alleged that the CM has brought into effect the anti cow slaughter bill without consulting farmers who own cows.

Speaking about the meager earnings of farmers, he said that farmers get only Rs 12.50 for one liter of milk, but a litre of purified water costs Rs 15. He said that the price of milk must be fixed at Rs 70 if the price of water is fixed at Rs 15.

President of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi T R Bhat made the welcome speech. Fr. John Fernandes and Maulana Yahya Tanjnal spoke on the occasion.

National Assistant Coordinator of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch Prof M B Kumaraswamy, former President of Kannada Sahitya Parishad Harikrishna Punaroor, and Shivarajke Gowda were also present.