Gregory’s stir enters 11th day

DHNS

• 40 villagers from Polali and Ammembala stage hunger strike on Sunday to support Gregory Patrao.

Mangalore, 27 June 2010: The hunger strike staged by various organisations, along with Gregory Patrao seeking justice for the Patraos has entered 11th day but yet the authorities and the district administration have not spared a minute to hear their pleas.

About three to four organisations have been staging protest outside Deputy Commissioner’s office everyday and on Sunday as many as 40 villagers from Polali and Ammembala staged hunger strike for Gregory’s cause.

Polali resident Mohan Bilwapathra said that in future, industries will snatch away coastal Kannadigas’ right to life and plight of Gregory Patrao is only a pre cursor to this.

He said that people must unite and fight against authorities concerned before each and every citizen in coastal region faces the situation that Patraos are now facing.

“District administration destroyed Gregory’s house without giving him a chance to appeal at the court.”

“His belongings were confiscated. We condemn this,” said Polali Rajashree Yuvaka Mandal President Keshav.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists and Velencia St Joseph Seminary members joined hands on Sunday to show solidarity.

Vedike President Annaiah Kulal said that the true colours of the state has exposed after Lokayukta’s resignation. “This Government which has been masquerading as well wisher of farmers has finally got down to its real intention.”
“It believes in running the farmers and not helping them,” Kulal said.

‘No politician visited’
Though District incharge Minister Krishna J Palemar, Home Minister Dr V S Acharya, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, M P Nalin Kumar Kateel, D V Sadananada Gowda, MLA Abhaychandra Jain, Ramanath Rai, ZP President Santhosh Kumar Bhandary were all in the city to attend the inaugural programme of Office of Mangalore Commissionerate on Saturday, none visited Gregory protesting outside Deputy Commissioner’s office.

“Palemar passed through Deputy Commissioner office but he did not even look at this farmer who has been fighting for what legally belongs to him. This holds mirror to ‘pro farmer’ attitude of the Government,” said farmer Ivan D’Souza.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Gregory Patrao said that though elected representatives did not spare a minute to have a talk with him, he is happy that citizens have not left him alone for a minute so far.
“Everyday there are hundreds of people sitting with him. This support ushers in new spirit in me,” says Patrao.

Stop dreaming
Activist Vidya Dinaker said that Deputy Commissioner V Ponnuraj has been talking about the differences between American and Indian administration. “Instead of thinking of transforming Indian administration to American system, let him respond to the farmers’ woes first,” she said.

Letter to God
An anti-SEZ and Pro-Gregory wave is being noticed in the district strongly. As this movement led by Gregory is bringing people from all walks of life into its folds, a rare incident happened in a temple recently.
A participant said that when ‘hundi’ (offering box kept in temples) was opened at a temple in the taluk, a letter addressed to god was found, which read ‘Please take SEZ away’.

Anticipatory bail
Gregory Patrao and his family members have obtained an anticipatory bail in view of a complaint filed by Land Acquisition Officer against Gregory, his mother Mary Patrao, his brothers Fredrick and Alwyn Patrao for denying to give his land for Mangalore Refinieries and Petroleum Limited III phase and also against activist Vidya Dinker.