Local people oppose MSEZ acquisition of historic temple land

Local people oppose MSEZ acquisition of historic temple land

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 12, 2012: Lakshmana Chowta, managing trustee of the Nellidadygutthu Kantheri Dhoomavathi Temple, told reporters at a press meet held in Press Club today that MSEZ has sent the temple authorities a land acquisition order for 1800 acres of land including the temple, the Nellidhady Guttu House, and agricultural land near Bajpe.

Stating that MSEZ has completed all phases to acquire the land, he said that the families living on this 1800-acre plot are unwilling to leave the temple and land, which has a history of more than 800 years.

Further, he said that the Gutthu is owned by 350 people, who are against the land acquisition process. The people are unwilling to shift the historic temple to Shantigudde, as per MSEZ’s land acquisition order.

He said that, when the MSEZ had issued a notice for land acquisition in Kalavar, Bajpe, and Permude, the affected families had written an opposing order against it. At a meeting held to discuss ways to save Nellidhady Gutthu, the then MSEZ MD A. G. Pai had said that he will do his best to save the historic place and protect the temple. However, he had requested 8 acres in Paila and the residents had agreed to it. The people had also not organized any protest because they believed Mr. Pai. However, the company is still trying to acquire the 1800-acre historic plot, he said.

Chandrika, who lives in the locality, said that the MSEZ sent 60 goons to demolish her house on May 10 and harassed a number of people, including women and children. She said that she had lodged a complaint regarding this at the local police station. She complained that MSEZ harasses local people who are unwilling to leave their land by closing their wells with mud, cutting their power supply, and finally demolishing their houses without giving any notice.

Kishore Shetty, another member of the Gutthu, said that the MSEZ does not even provide the promised compensation package to all the displaced families. Stating that he is one of those who have not received any package from them, he said that he has lodged a complaint against the company. Complaining that the MSEZ had demolished his house when he had gone out to attend a function, he said that he has also submitted a memorandum to the DC regarding this.