By CT reporter
MANGALORE : Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt recently observed a day’s fast in support of his demand to secure justice to the poor Kudubi tribals who have been rendered destitutes following the forcible acquisition of their land for the proposed SEZ at Kudubipadavu in Permude and also to demand return of the land to their original inhabitants.
The seer observed his fast at the historic Permude Somanatheshwara Temple where thousands had gathered.
Speaking to reporters amid the fasting, the seer said he was planning to meet the chief minister in Bangalore on May 17 in order to apprise him of the problems being faced by the Kudubi tribals due to the injustice done to them. The seer said there has been a clash of sorts between farmers of Kudubipadavu as well as the Mangalore SEZ and the KIADB over the land acquisition issue and alleged that the land had been acquired in violation of the existing norms, and the displaced people not suitably compensated.
He further said he had already made a plea with several authorities including the deputy commissioner to secure justice to the poor tribals of Kudubipadavu.
Madhukar Amin of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Trust, William D’Souza and Kudubi leaders were among the thousands who had gathered at the temple precincts.
Earlier speaking on the occasion, K Somanath Nayak of Nagarika Seva Trust said the Pejawar seer had issued a stay to the works at Kudubipadavu and added  the stay given by the almighty was more powerful that the stay given by the court.
Related news: