Team Herald

PONDA: Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar on Monday said the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) would stage an agitation if the government fails to either stop the IIT project work at Melauli or shift it elsewhere before January 18.

Dhavalikar extended his support to the state-wide agitation call given by GAKUVED which is fighting for justice to Melauli locals.

He said the government should not only scrap the IIT project but should also provide compensation of Rs one lakh to each agitating family. Demanding that the FIRs against the locals be withdrawn, he said, “These people are hiding themselves in the forest leaving their homes due to the atrocities. This land should be handed over to ST people. What is the need to bring IIT project on the fertile and cultivated land of the farmers. This project should be shifted to the fallow land. Already, an IIT is functioning from GEC at Farmagudi since past four years. Rs 22 crore is spent on IIT building and hostel. If the government wants an IIT then it should come up at Farmagudi by acquiring additional four lakh sq mts.”

In veiled attack on Tribal Minister Govind Gaude, Dhavalikar criticised the minister for remaining silent on the Melauli issue.

Dhavalikar said, “The tribal leader who is also the Cabinet minister was expected to rally behind the Melauli tribal villagers”.

and support their rightful demand and handover the land they have been cultivating for so long as their livelihood entirely depends on it.”

Sudin demanded that Tribal Minister should fight for the rights of Melaulim villagers.

He said the minister is duty bound to solve their issues.