Mangaluru  : Around hundred years ago locals mostly Hindus belonging to lesser class and economically backward were converted to Christianity by foreign Jesuits and rehabilitated in the “Jeppu Compound” an area of 40 acres around “Jeppu Seminary”. St Joseph Industrial Asylum workshop popularly known as “Seminary workshop” was established to provide employment to destitute converts was name “Asylum workshop”. Since 1968 Jesuits transferred responsibilities of these properties to Diocese of Mangalore, who sea changes in the attitude with motives of the rulers of the church indulged in gross commercialisation rendering many of the native settlers homeless. Valerian Texeira and Victor Pais are legal heirs of one such settlers have been given Eviction Notice.

As a protest to this illegal Eviction notice served, the settlers in Jeppu Compound had met in the Club premises at 6pm, and held a protest meeting and have placed 4 points demand and the plan of action. It demands immediate withdrawal of Eviction notice served on the two and the Diocese of Mangalore to stop exercising its illegal authority over Jeppu Compound and all the residents, natives and new settlers be given their legal rights over their house property. Until such time, that the complaint filed with Deputy Commissioner, DK regarding the Bishop’s land scam is disposed off, all land transfers and dealings with regard to Revenue Account no.56, be stopped forthwith. The Church should overcome its greed for land and property and instead of behaving like a ruthless land lord, harassing the poor and the hapless, should, in true Christian spirit, practice love, Charity, compassion and humanity.

Present at the protest meet were, Eric Ozario former native of jeppu, who have joined the fight for justice spoke on the occasion. Valerian Texeria, Victor Pais, Wilson Baptist.

Plan of action suggested by them to redress their problem are:-

The natives of Jeppu Asylum have discussed few options to get justice from the erring clergy who have hell bent on vacating the century old occupants from their homes.

1) One last chance to bishop to solve the long pending problem.

2) One chance to the local MLA J R Lobo to mount pressure and work towards solution or else clearly tell him that we can’t vote for him in next election.

3) Make public the revelations of the RTI information which proves bishop is in illegal possession of land and he is not the legitimate owner of land.

4) Appeal to the revenue authorities to withhold all revenue transactions with respect to the land.

5) If they try to vacate our homes with muscle power as did by Aloysius college padre, then we have to be prepared for tough action to protect ourselves. In such a way that in future they should never dare to resort to such methods.

6) Finally and most importantly seriously consider going back to the original dharma of Hinduism that we belonged to 100 years back before converting to Christianity.

Present at the protest meet were, Eric Ozario former native of jeppu, who have joined the fight for justice spoke on the occasion. Valerian Texeria, Victor Pais, Wilson Baptist

Eswarraj