Members of Karavali Karnataka Janabhivruddhi Vedike led by social activist Vidya Dinakar staged an unique protest by trooping on to the stage and eclipsing the Karavali Utsav inaugural programme with a massive banner demanding an end to the expansion of MRPL and to save coastal district on Friday evening.
As Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Mayor Bhaskar K was addressing the gathering at the Karavali Utsav Grounds, activists Vidya Dinakar, William, T R Bhat and members of Karavali Karnataka Janabhivruddhi Vedike marched up to the stage and held the banner in full media glare before the gathering.
The forum members shouted slogans against the State government, district administration and district in charge minister for allowing the expansion of MRPL. They demanded that the fertile land should not be turned into a barren land by handing it over to the industries.
District In-charge Minister U T Khader in his speech wished that the aspirations of the activists be realised.
A few cases pertaining to the acquisition of land and expansion of the MRPL is pending before the court. The discussion with chief minister, minister and officials concerned are in progress. The deputy commissioner has been asked to initiate measures within the framework of the law, he said.
Soon after the end of Minister's speech, the activists once again started shouting slogans. All the protesters were taken to custody by the police.
Activist William said, "We are not against Karavali Utsav. To conserve Utsav for the future generation, the nature and environment of coastal district should be protected."
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels | Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks