Jokatte land acquisition: Nagarika Horata Samiti withdraws 8-day protest after DC assures action on demands

Jokatte land acquisition: Nagarika Horata Samiti withdraws 8-day protest after DC assures action on demands

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 26, 2026: Residents of Jokatte, Kalavaru, and Kenjaru villages, who have been affected by pollution from the coke sulphur unit, had been staging a day-and-night dharna under the banner of the “Nagarika Horata Samiti” since May 17.

The protesters demanded the immediate acquisition of 27 acres of land identified for the proposed green belt of MRPL and the completion of the promised rehabilitation measures within a fixed timeframe.

At a meeting convened on Monday, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. assured that the legal procedures for land acquisition through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) would be completed within six months and that the acquisition process would begin within that period. Based on this assurance, the Samiti members agreed to allow KIADB to acquire the land on behalf of MRPL.

Samiti convenor Muneer Katipalla stressed that the process of initiating land acquisition should not take more than six months. The residents who are to be displaced had already agreed to a one-time compensation package under the direct purchase proposal.

With the land acquisition process now to be carried out by KIADB, the protesters demanded that all rehabilitation benefits being offered to Permude villagers under MRPL’s fourth-phase land acquisition package should also be extended to the affected residents of Jokatte.

Protest Withdrawn

The protesters also demanded that the 18-month house rent compensation included in the fourth-phase rehabilitation package be extended to Jokatte residents.

In addition, they urged the authorities to ensure proper protection for residents living in houses that are on the verge of collapse. After the meeting, Muneer briefed the residents about the decisions at the protest venue.

Based on the collective opinion of the protesters, the eight-day agitation was withdrawn.

However, the Samiti resolved that if the land acquisition process does not proceed according to the agreed schedule or if there is any delay, the agitation would be resumed with greater intensity, Muneer warned.

The meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office was attended by Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, MRPL Managing Director Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath, among others.