Thursday, July 21 2005 15:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Udupi: Former Defence Minister, George Fernandes, has cautioned that there were anti-forces, both within India and outside, which were working against the development of the nation.

"These forces are trying to stall any development by pumping funds to those opposing any development. The people should also be more cautious against these anti-forces", he said.

He was inaugurating a one-day public meeting, convened by Mumbai-based Jaya Sri Krishna Parisara Premi Samiti, an environmental group, yesterday (July 20, 2005), to discuss complete environment protection and pollution controlled industrialisation of undivided Dakshina Kannada district.

Fernandes said, "Power generation had become essential in a country like India, particularly in states like Karnataka which faced power shortage. We should be aware of how the industries are suffering due to acute power shortage. To tide over this situation, production of power is essential which would also help in the economic development of the region", he said.

Referring to the plight of employees of Kudremukh Iron-Ore Company Limited (KIOCL), Fernandes said that it was he who fought for 20 years lease extension to the company. But the State Government had to settle the issue before the court with five year lease extension which would expire on December 31, 2005. "If these employees are thrown out after the lease period where should they go."

Expressing his concern over the Naxalite activities, extending now to coastal and Malnad belt of Karnataka, he said that growing unemployment and denial of jobs to educated unemployed youths by industries had resulted in the youths taking to guns.