Politicians lead protests against curbs on developmental activities in Western Ghats

KOCHI: North Kerala saw sporadic incidents of violence as the spontaneous protests of the people against the Union Government’s decision to prohibit development activities in 60,000 sq kms of ecologically sensitive areas of Western Ghat turned into a hartal supported by all political parties.

In Idukki in South Kerala, the High Range Protection Council has threatened to intensify their stir from Monday by blocking the power stations, schools and even the movement of tourist vehicles.

Sebastian Kochupurakkal, general convenor of the Council said that the people in Idukki will stop paying taxes and utility bills to protest against the Centre’s decision to prohibit all development activities in the ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats.

In Kozikode, the protestors torched vehicles, including police jeeps and media van. Left Democratic Front (LDF) has called for a hartal in Idukki on Saturday. The Left Front is also organizing an emergency meeting on Friday to take stock of the situation and to channelise the groundswell of protest against the Centre’s notification in their favour. Oommen Chandy has said that no one will be evicted from their land because of the new order.