KANNUR: Scores of people from across the state gathered at Keezhattoor here on Sunday declaring that paddy fields and wetlands cannot be arbitrarily taken over in the name of development. The protesters, including political leaders, greens, cultural activists and students questioned “the politics of unbridled development” and the audacity of the left government pressing for it. The demonstration saw ‘Vayalkilikal’, the local farmers’ forum, reconstructing their protest venue the CPM workers burnt on March 14 and the launch of its second phase of agitation.
“The government has no right to reclaim wetlands and river banks which is the lifeline of the people and land. Development terrorism is going on in the state,” said Suresh Keezhattoor, the leader of Vayalkilikal. Another leader, 72-year old Nambradath Janakiyamma, inaugurated the function declaring in unambiguous terms that they would continue their agitation till the government budges. Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran ridiculed the CPM policy saying, “The same CPM had wholeheartedly supported the peasants’ struggle in Maharashtra." "It's a shame that the Communists are resorting to the cruel tactics used by the feudal landlords of yesteryears,” he said.
He asked the government to initiate talks with Vayalkilikal. BJP's Suresh Gopi MP said the issue would be brought before the Prime Minister and the chief minister should find a solution at the earliest. An estimated 2,000 people took part in the ‘Kerala to Keezhattoor’ rally commenced from Taliparamba town square at 2.30 pm. P.C George MLA, BJP leaders B. Gopalakrishnan, P. Sathyaprakash, AAP leader C.R Neelakantan and activists Hareesh Vasudevan and Dr Surendranath also participated in the rally. There was massive police deployment in the area in the wake of the CPM-Vayalkilikal faceoff.
