Act against land mafia, say KRRS

Demanding fulfillment of various demands and a check on the capitation menace in private colleges, members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Dalit Sangarsha Samithi staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, here, on Monday.

The protestors, lead by MLA K S Puttannaiah, alleged that the Land Revenue Act was being repeatedly violated in the district. Agricultural lands are being handed over to capitalists, while government lands, farmers’ lands and lands allotted for Dalits were disappearing. The land mafia is taking over Mysuru district. The State government should take steps to check it, they said.

Recalling the recent suicide of a farmer in Belgavi, they said, sugar factories are yet to pay huge arrears to farmers. This has forced some farmers to take the drastic step. The government should announce Rs 10 lakh as compensation, they demanded.

The protesters alleged that the capitation menace has become a burden on parents. The policies of the managements of the colleges have robbed the poor and meritorious students of good education. Yet, the officials concerned have not taken any steps against them, they complained.

Resignation demanded
Demanding the resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, members of the National Student Union of India, staged a protest at Gandhi Chowk, during the day.

The protestors said, Sushma has misused power by facilitating Lalit Modi, who is facing criminal charges in connection with the Indian Premier League. Contrary to her justification that she has taken the decision on humanitarian grounds, they alleged that the Minister would have some vested interests.

They urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek Sushma’s resignation and initiate a probe into the issue.