The Hindu Business Line : Stir against KSEZ gaining momentum

The agitation against the Kakinada special economic zone is gathering momentum, as the opposition parties and unions are objecting to the “coercive methods” adopted by the State Government to take possession of the lands acquired for the KSEZ in the coastal villages in the Kakinada rural mandal and surrounding areas.

The matter has been taken to the notice of the State Human Rights Commission and the latter has ordered that the status quo be maintained till it gives its verdict.

However, the anti-KSEZ activists and parties allege that there is heavy police presence in the villages and the district administration is resorting to “coercive methods”.

Several anti-KSEZ activists have been arrested.

Political support

The BJP is supporting the farmers and the party has decided to take up the issue in its National Council meeting. The Telugu Desam too is in the fray.

Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, Party President and former chief minister, is planning to visit the SEZ-affected villages later this month and conduct road shows to mobilise people.

The CPI (ML) (Liberation) is playing an active role in the agitation and several of its members have been arrested. The villages are tense and the police are keeping vigil. Though no major incident has occurred so far, the agitation seems to be reaching a flash point.

In an apparent attempt to mollify the farmers, the KSEZ authorities have increased the allocation for rehabilitation and resettlement of affected farmers and villagers. A Rs 500-crore package has been prepared for the displaced.

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