People's Democracy

ON KARNATAKA: TAKE ACTION ON ILLEGAL MINING

The statement by Karnataka chief minister Yeddyurappa  that the Reddy brothers of Bellary are not  involved in any illegal mining is shocking and unacceptable.   He has further said that  there is no need for the two ministers to step down, refusing to acknowledge the illegal mining activities of these ministers.   

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the illegal mining activities and export of iron ore from Karnataka be handed over to the CBI for investigation.  The two ministers who are directly involved in the mining affairs should step down immediately.

In cases where illegal mining activities are established, those mines should be nationalised.  The central government should stop the export of iron ore till a review is conducted of the present mining and minerals policy. 

(July 19)