VALPOI
Furious over the survey work being conducted despite their protests and the presence of busloads of police at the site on Tuesday, angry locals of have threatened to intensify their agitation.
“The movement against the IIT project began through peaceful means but the government does not understand the language of peace. This agitation will now turn aggressive if the government goes ahead with the IIT project against the wishes of the locals,” warned Shashikant Sawardekar, one of the leaders of the Shel Melavali Bachao Samiti.
“If the government has the courage, let them continue with the survey work on Wednesday,” he Sawardekar added.
Rama Melekar, another leader of the agitators, claimed the movement against the IIT project was gathering momentum and strength due to the unity of the locals.
Some locals threatened to come with axes and other weapons to protest against the project and warned that they would not be held responsible if their protests turned violent.
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Janardhan Bhandari, who is supporting the movement, criticised the government for its decision to force the project in Melauli, despite protests by locals. “The Congress will support the people of Melauli in their agitation,” assured Bhandari.
