The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Dalits plan stir against BMIC project

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 23, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Dalits plan stir against BMIC project

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The Raita Bhurakshana Horata Samiti has decided to stage a protest against Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), which is executing the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project on Tuesday. H.V. Vijayaraghavan of the samiti told presspersons here on Thursday that in spite of the media coverage, very little has been said about the impact that the project has had on Dalits and small and marginal farmers.

"Certain misconceptions about the implications of the Supreme Court ruling are being promoted deliberately to ensure that certain entities retain the benefits. A clear and careful understanding of the implications of the verdict is must as it will serve in safeguarding public interest, particularly farmers who stand to lose their land and source of livelihood. We have organised the protest in this regard," he said.

He urged the Government to cancel the Framework Agreement that was signed with NICE and implement the project in accordance with the Somashekar Reddy judgement. "According to the judgment, only 2,471 acres was to be handed over to NICE. The Government has handed over 2,900 acres. It has to take a decision about the excess land," he said.

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