Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Mangalore, 13, May, 2008: The promoters of the Mangalore Special Economic Zone performed a puja on Monday and earth breaking ceremony on 15-acre plot in Permude village under the protection of a large police force.

The area comes under the 2,035 acre of land notified under Phase II of the mega-project.

This 15.34 acre-plot is the proposed site for a few temples which had been displaced from the area covered under the Phase I of the project.

Farmers, led by the Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti, gathered nearby in protest against the event. The protesters, including some owners of lands, alleged that their land had been acquired without their consent.

Because of the presence of the police, the agitators did not enter the plot where rituals were being performed.

Source: The Hindu