Authorities turn deaf ears to Negila Yogi's demands

Patrao family continues to stay in makeshift shed in Kalavaru

Today Gregory Patrao is not the name of a humble farmer from Kalavaru who fought against land acquisition for industrial purpose for 16 long years. The name has become synonymous to a movement for justice. Rightly so, as many as 30 organisations along with heads from various religions have joined hands to fight against injustice meted out by district administration, MSEZ, KIADB and MRPL.

Like minded people came together and started a hunger strike outside Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm demanding MSEZ, MRPL and KIADB to return Gregory’s 14.27 acre of cultivable land acquired by them, in its old form, making it convenient for Gregory to carry on cultivation, which is his occupation, return Gregory’s agricultural produce, equipment, household commodities, gold jewellry and cash that has been taken away by the officials forcefully along with compensation for lost, spoilt or damaged commodities, withdraw all criminal cases filed against Gregory and his supporters and action against officials who have violated human rights by destroying Gregory’s house illegally, using muscle power. Kemaru Seer Esha Vittaldas Swamiji participated in the protest on Thursday.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Gregory said that his 80-year old mother is unwell and in this condition she has to live in a makeshift tent that the family had made at their land in Kalavaru. Gregory who is not bogged down by the atrocities of the administration, says that he will fight till he meets justice.

Gregory had won this GP election as BJP backed candidate but surprisingly neither the BJP party workers nor leaders were seen standing by Gregory on Thursday. However, Gregory clarified that his party members have assured him of support.

The supporting organisation will stage protest one by one till their demands are fulfiled.
Accordingly, Karavali Karnataka Janabhivridhi Vedike Bantwal unit will stage protest on Friday to show solidarity to the Patraos.

It may be recalled that Gregory’s 16 years of resistance to land acquisition was crushed by the officials during wee hours of April 28, 2010 by pulling down his home without prior notice, rendering the family homeless. The officials using muscle power had thrown out the belongings of the family and had taken away valuables.