Hunger strike begins, Protesters demand justice for Gregory Patrao

Hunger strike begins, Protesters demand justice for Gregory Patrao

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 17: Protestors launched an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday in front of the DC’s office to protest against the forcible eviction of Gregory Patrao from his ancestral farm land. They displayed placards bearing slogans such as: “Yesterday it was Kudubis, today Gregory, tomorrow it could be us.” 

 

 

 

The Karavali Karnataka Janabhivriddhi Vedike, Citizens’ Forum for Mangalore Development, Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi, Jamat-e-Islami (youth wing), Catholic Sabha, DK Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Association, Student Islamic Organization, Vimukti Trust, KKJV Bantwal, Baandavya Trust, Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, People’s Union for Civil Liberties, All India LIC Agents Organizations, Artists’ Forum, Bunder Shramikara Sangha, Vishwas Trust, PADI, Konchadi Yuvakara Mandala, CODP, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha Suratkal, Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi, friends of Gregory Patrao, and members of the Gram Panchayats of Kalavaru and Bala have all joined hands to fight against the injustice meted out to Gregory Patrao in the name of economic development.  

T. R. Bhat of Karnataka Janabhivriddhi Samithi declared that the government was resorting to unlawful means to snatch away the daily bread of the people in the name of development. Protestors lit a torch to mark the beginning of their hunger strike, which they claim to continue till their demands are fulfilled. Members of different organizations, which are supporting Patrao’s cause, will take turns in protesting till they get justice.  

The protestors demand the following from the district administration:  

1. The Patrao family must be allowed to reside on their property of 14.27 acres and continue their agricultural activities undisturbed and status quo must be maintained till they have completely explored all the legal options available to them.  

2. Their portable property such as agricultural products, household goods, clothes, agricultural implements, ornaments, cash, and other valuables worth Rs 24,65,815, which were forcibly taken away by the DK district administration and the KIADB should not only be unconditionally and systematically returned to the family, but also compensation should be paid for lost and damaged articles as well as for the trauma the family has undergone.  

3. The criminal case lodged against the family should be withdrawn immediately.  

4. The officers responsible for the illegal confiscation of the family’s belongings and agricultural products and the hasty demolition of their house should be punished and stern action must be taken against them.