MP Nalin arrested during fast-unto-death protest

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel spearheading the group of protesters on a “fast-unto-death” against Yettinahole project was among several arrested by the police here on Friday, February 10.

The hunger strike was launched with Muslim Central Committee President Masood garlanding the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Town Hall premises. Later religious heads accompanied by members from different organisations and college students marched to DC’s office.

Addressing the protestors at the meet, Moodabidri Matt’s Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji asked the Chief Minister to revoke the project citing technical flaws in the project. He called on the gathering to unite to safeguard the interests of Dakshina Kannada district and take the fight to the power corridors in Delhi.

Alleging kickbacks to authorities favouring the project, Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Gurpur Vajradehi Matt said, “Coastal regions of Mangaluru and Bantwal are already facing drought like situation and the chief minister remaining silent over the issue is unacceptable to the people in the region.”

“When affected people of the region are seeking justice in a peaceful manner, the government not listening to the cries of people is really tragic”, Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Matt said, voicing his opinion in favour of hunger strike.

Odiyoor Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji called upon the people of the region to extend more support to stall the project. “The struggle is not against fulfilling drinking water needs of people in Kolar region but for Justice”, Odiyoor seer said.
Ganesh Rao, President of Karavali Group on Institutions, Zilla Panchayat President Meenakshi Shanthigodu, Satyajith Suratkal, former minister Krishna J Palemar, Yogish Bhat, Harikrishna Bantwal, Shashi Raj Kolambe, Monappa Bhandary among others were present during the protest.

Leaders cutting across various sections of the society joined the protests, organised by Netravati Samrakshana Samyukta Samiti.

Students from Karavali College and scores of women from Mogaveera community joined the march supporting the hunger strike.