Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday said the government will not acquire farmers’ land for setting up the proposed special economic zone in Nandagudi in Bangalore rural district.

Speaking at a public function in Hassan, he said the government has handed over the responsibility to buy land from farmers to the project promoter.

“It is up to the promoter to convince the farmers and acquire the land. Moreover, farmers can give the land only if they like and the government will not force them in any way,” Mr Kumaraswamy added.

Agitation
Meanwhile, farmers in Nandagudi under the banner Nandagudi Raitha Hitarakshana Samithi are gearing up to launch an agitation against the government’s decision to allow setting up of the SEZ by a Mumbai-based company.

“The government is indulging in real-estate business. Why has it (government) changed its decision to SEZ instead of township as planned before?” Samithi convener S S Lakshmisha asked.

The Samithi is taking up an awareness campaign in all 36 villages.

“The Chief Minister has been telling that he will resign if farmers commit suicide. But on the other hand, he himself is forcing us to commit suicide by approving a special economic zone in our land. We have been living here for generations. Where should we go?” asked Anjanappa, a farmer in Satyavara.

Anti-SEZ front
Opposing the setting up of Special Economic Zones in the State, the CPI(ML) and the Karnataka Raitha Sangha have decided to establish an anti-SEZ front in Karnataka.

This was decided at a day-long convention on Special Economic Zones on Sunday.

The Secretary of CPI(ML) Mr K N Ramachandran said that there was a need to oppose the setting up of SEZs as it would snatch away the right of the farmers.

At the convention, it was decided to launch a State-wide protest against SEZs and it was also stated that the same would be done in two phases.

CPM blamed
At the convention, the speakers also blamed the CPI(M) government in West Bengal for being hand-in-glove with the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre.

It was also stated that the Nandigram episode was an eye-opener to the anti-farmer policy of the West Bengal government.

WHAT THis SEZ IS ABOUT

To have five zones - Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Knowledge, Recreational and Leisure

Offer ‘world class’ infrastructure with “work-live-play” concept

Promoter, SKIL Infrastructure, to acquire farmers’ land on its own

Acquisition as per consent award. One job per family per acre land or 40/75 ft site

Land required is 12,350 acres in 36 villages