Thiruvananthapuram: Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma on Monday lashed out at the police for unleashing a brutal lathicharge on the agitators at Puthuvype disregarding the government’s initiative to resolve the issue amicably.
“The police action cannot be justified in any way. It is against the LDF policy of solving the democratic agitation of the people through negotiations. I have already conveyed my strong protest against the police highhandedness,” she told DC.
When asked about the police allegation that certain elements having links with extremist groups were inciting the local people, she said, “I don’t believe that extremist elements are behind the protest. It is an agitation led by the local people, including women who have apprehensions about the plant.” The minister, however, did not rule out the possibility of unwanted elements trying to sneak into the ranks of agitators for vested interests.
“There can be attempts from certain sections to divert the agitation and twist facts. But on the whole, we believe the local people have certain apprehensions over the manner in which the central government had given permission for some matters,” she said.The meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday would discuss the issues raised by the agitators.
“We are holding discussions with an open mind. We are for an amicable resolution of the issue,” she added. Meanwhile, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran will visit Puthuvype on Tuesday. He came down heavily on the police for trying to repress the protesters, including the elderly, women and children. He said the police were trying to justify their action by alleging the involvement of extremist elements. “I think they are planning to invoke the UAPA against a section of agitators. “The police were dragging the elderly, women and children and attacking the agitators ruthlessly. The mindless police action is bringing a bad name to the LDF government,” he said.
