MALAPPURAM: As the protest against the land acquisition procedures for the development of National Highway 66 in the district are still brewing along with the ongoing land survey process, a verbal spat ensued between minister for local self government Dr. K.T. Jaleel and Muslim league leader P.K. Kunhalikkutty, MP, on the people behind the agitators. Dr Jaleel said here on Sunday that it was outsiders who were leading the protest against the development project. "No development is possible without sacrifice," he said. "I will try to ensure maximum compensation for the affected land owners."
Countering Dr Jaleel's claim, Mr Kunhalikutty challenged him to come and directly meet the protestors and check whether they were outsiders. "Instead of making irresponsible comments on affected parties, the government and ministers should address their concerns by directly meeting the victims," Mr Kunhalikkutty said. "The government approach in the land acquisition has caused the troubles. Without seeking ways of reconciliation the government is on a combat mode using excessive police force."
The IUML legislators will raise the issue of the affected people in the assembly, he said, adding the UDF meeting will also discuss the issue. "The government has not clarified the concerns raised by the people regarding the latest alignment," he said. "Several houses have to be demolished as per this alignment. As many as 50 houses will be razed in a single stretch in AR Nagar. The government should set aside the reluctance to address these concerns raised by the local residents."
Meanwhile several UDF-ruled panchayaths including Edarikode, AR Nagar and Mooniyur have come up with strong opposition to land acquisition as per the latest alignment. K.N.A. Khader, MLA, said land acquisition as per the changed alignment will never be allowed in AR Nagar Panchayat where the current NH already has a width of 48 metres.
