Activists arrested, released for disturbing MSEZ works

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 5, 2015 :    Surthakal police arrested DYFI - Democratic Youth Federation of India State president Muneer Katipalla and 32 others for obstructing the  MSEZ  - Mangalore Special Economic Zone authorities from carrying out work on a corridor road in Jokatte July 4. However, they were released following a protest.

The Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samiti have been disturbing  work on the corridor road for the last several months as a mark of protest against the alleged air and water pollution from MRPL’s coke and sulphur recovery units. The samiti led by president Muneer had been demanding closure of the two units.

The samiti members and other residents had stopped movement of heavy vehicles towards the MSEZ area  and carried out demonstrations. On July 4, MSEZ personnel came with their material to the corridor road to start the work. They were accompanied by a large posse of policemen. Samiti members and residents blocked the way and refused to allow the resumption of work. MSEZ personnel said the work cannot be stopped as there were orders from the court against any obstruction.

The police arrested Muneer and others and brought them to the police station. Assistant Commissioner of Police Madan Gaonker  demanded an undertaking that road work will not be disturbed. None  agreed,  police then registered a case against them.

Around 4 p.m., DYFI activists and residents of Jokatte carried out a demonstration at the Surthakal junction against the action of the police. And  around 5 p.m. Muneer and other activists were released.