“No further land will be acquired for Mangalore SEZ. I will oppose any further land acquisition process in the region. I am ready to join my hands in the fight against this injustice, which is being meted out in the name of development.” This was the assurance given by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel to the people who have lost their land and homes for the proposed MSEZ project.
Kateel visited Thenka yekkaru and Kudubi Padau region which fall in the proposed MSEZ jurisdiction on Tuesday and accepted grievances.
He said that 1,800 acres of land have already been acquired, which he has no objection to but acquisition of another 2,035 acre land for II phase will not be allowed at any cost.
He assured to pressurise the Government to stop the land acquisition process for II phase.
He recalled the fights staged by the people when MRPL was about to be started in the region. MRPL then assured to provide rehabilitation colony, employment and schools in the region. But even today the colony does not have basic facilities, he lamented and added that MSEZ officials have been saying that they will provide work on merit basis, which is absolutely meaningless. He said that 80 per cent of jobs must be earmarked for the land loosers and locals.