Farmers protest against Mangalore SEZ, allege harrassment

The special economic zone (SEZ) battle has now reached South India. The Mangalore SEZ is threatening the livelihood of around 20,000 people. It's also threatening their way of life and that can hardly be compensated. The farmers are now fighting back.

Here is a transcript of Abhirr VP’s comments on CNBC-TV18. Also see the accompanying video.

Every morning, for the past 50 years, Mallapa Gowda, a proud owner of 37 cents of land, worked at this field. It is this land that has helped him support his family of nine. Mallapa dreams that his grandchildren would be doctors, and believes that it is this land that will help him achieve his dreams. However, now Mallapa's rice fields must make way for the Mangalore SEZ, that is, if the government of Karnataka has its way.

Mallapa Gowda said, “They have been harassing us, forcing our women to sign the land deal. This is my land and I will not leave it. I have left it to god now." He added, “What can we do? We know no other profession other than agriculture. I can't understand the language that these officials speak then how can I believe them?”

Around 20,000 people have to move out before the Mangalore special zone comes up. The petrochemical zone that is to be built over a staggering 3756 acres of land promises to create 5000 jobs. Although, half the land has already been acquired, farmers are now refusing to buy the relief package.

The Mangalore SEZ may promise prosperity to this coastal town, but for farmers here this is their livelihood and the only way of life they know.

The tug-of-war between the agitating farmers and the Mangalore SEZ has stalled the acquisition process. Since June 2007, this coastal town has seen countless demonstration by protesting farmers. For a state government that flaunts its pro-farmer image this is bad news. However, with 24 notified SEZ and Rs 6000 crore in the pipeline, the government is desperate for a middle path.

Murugesh Rudrappa Nirani, Small and Heavy Industry Minister, said, “Without industry our country will never develop, and we are expecting to set up more industries for that. Some will lose and some will gain. We will give better compensation.”