Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Oct 30: While interacting with a delegation of Kudubipadav villagers and organizations that met him at his residence, district in-charge minister Krishna J Palemar said that the state government will never support forceful acquisition of lands for the Mangalore Special Economic zone (MSEZ).

He however clarified that the government cannot do anything if the farmers voluntarily hand over their lands and claim compensation in exchange thereof. "We will ensure that the villagers are not intimidated to part with their lands," he asserted.

The delegation, led by Nagarika Seva Trust president K Somnath Nayak, urged the minister to appoint a fact-finding committee to look into the aspect of forceful land acquisition for the MSEZ. The minister told the delegation that he would consult with the officials before giving any assurance and that he would ask the district deputy commissioner to hold a meeting with the villagers who are reluctant to hand over their lands for the purpose. To another demand of the delegation for conducting the carrying capacity study of the district before setting up industries, Palemar said he would discuss the issue with the chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.