'Desire what you deserve' is a saying not applicable to many! It was especially so for the neighbours of our St. Vincent's High School, Kaniyapuram. The school had 5 acres of land, out of which nearly 30 cents were given for a road in view of the development of the area.
Now, when we wanted to put up a compound wall in the rest of the area, the neighbours came asking for a way and that too a way for a autorikshaw, say some 5 feet. This was agreed upon in a meeting of almost all the neighbours in the presence of the panchayat ward member and other respected people of the area.
And when we went to build the compound wall yesterday, the neighbours came asking for more space and we came down for 6 feet. Then one of the party, namely, Mr. Xavier, son-in-law of Mr. Leon and a temporary worker in our school, asking us to limit in their side for 4 feet and then giving the 2 feet to the other side, thereby making that to 8 feet. This was agreed and we dig for foundation.
In the mean time, Mrs. Leon was impatient and she went to call the Puthenthope parish priest or council. Before that Mr. Tennison, the former Panchayat president came and was insisting for more land. This was followed by the Parish Council secretary, vice-president and another member's arrival. The parish council team wanted us to give a way for an autorikshaw and we said that it is OK. But Tennison was not ready!
Now, what they owe is nothing as they all have their land out of which they could take enough land for any way of any width. If it is for people without land, we are supposed to give only 3 links or feet. If we also need the way, both the parties could share the 3 feet by 1.5 and 1.5 respectively. In that case what at the most we are supposed to give is only 1.5 feet of land for a way.
Now, this 1.5 feet alone will be their due, if at all it is taken to any reconciliation forum! And they
stand to loose. People play games to exploit others and for this end they are ready to use any sentiments, even that of the religious sentiment! Let us wait and see.
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