Youth attempts self-immolation during protest against MSEZ

Youth attempts self-immolation during protest against MSEZ

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 25: A young man named Lokesh, whose family lost their land to MSEZ, attempted to immolate himself by pouring a can of kerosene over himself and setting himself ablaze in the course of a protest against Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ), held in front of the MSEZ office at Urwa Market since the morning of Jan 25, Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around 200 people participated in the protest,  yelling slogans while Lokesh attempted suiside by pouring a can of kerosene over himself and setting himself ablaze. The protestors demanded immediate jobs for all the unemployed members of the families, which lost their land to MSEZ. Stating that the MSEZ gives different dates to address their grievances, but are doing nothing other than giving dates, the protestors alleged that MSEZ had promised to address their grievances on Jan 7, Jan 10, Jan 18, and Jan 22, but has done nothing. The protestors were also furious that none of the top officials had paid a visit in spite of their protests.

 

 

 

 

 

According to the terms and conditions set forth by the MSEZ during the land acquisition process, MSEZ will have to provide training and employment to one person in each of the families displaced. A number of students, who have just completed their training, joined the protestors demanding immediate jobs.

There was a brief argument between the unemployed youths and the members of the Samyukta Hitarakshana Samithi of Permude and Kalavar after the students alleged that President Bhujanga Shetty had not joined the protest because he is supporting the MSEZ. Later, Mr. Shetty joined the protest, but remained passive. This, however, did not stop the youth from continuing to allege that the Samithi was not interested in their welfare and had decided to act in favor of the MSEZ.

Several people spoke of their experiences with MSEZ. Zeenath Bibi said that the family has absolutely no income now and that they are starving. The MSEZ officials promised the affected families that a meaningful dialogue will be arranged between them and the concerned MSEZ officials to find a solution to their problems. The protestors finally agreed to another date.

Jagadish Shenava, the advocate and secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, spoke to everyone concerned and announced that MSEZ will address the grievances of the families on Jan 29, adding that the if the MSEZ fails to respond favorably before Feb 2, the protestors will lock the MSEZ office on Feb 3 and will not allow it to function normally. The protestors said that at least a 100 people should be provided jobs on Jan 29.

A number of leaders, including Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell, were present.