MPAC to stage rally on March 14 protesting SC order

Mumbai, Mar 8 (UNI) Mumbai Peoples Action Committee (MPAC) will stage a rally here on March 14 in protest against the Supreme Court order clearing the sale of mill lands in Mumbai.

Talking to reporters here today, MPAC convenor Dada Samant said the Supreme Court judgement on the issue of mill lands not only makes personal profiteering more important than the collective needs of the city but also supports the illegitimate demands of the builders.

Mr Samant said two-and-half lakh mill workers, who were thrown out because of mill closures and were promised land rights and housing, are now cheated of their rights.

''We call upon the people of the city to join mill workers, tenants and residents of the city to march to the Mantralaya on March 14 from Azad Maidan under the banner of the MPAC to protest against the Supreme Court order,'' he urged.

''We also call upon all legislators in Mumbai in particular and Maharashtra in general to raise the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly and pass new legislation to protect the city,'' Mr Samant maintained.

Referring to Ulhasnagar, he said in the case of Ulhasnagar, the Maharashtra government legislated to protect what were clearly illegal buildings despite a High Court order saying they should be demolished.

''We ask the Maharashtra government to legislate similarly to protect the mill workers and the people of the city,'' he said.

UNI ADG MAZ PA HT1920