KOZHIKODE: The controversy over the destruction of coconut trees continues with miscreants uprooting the newly-planted coconut sapling too and hanging it in front of the house of the Action Council chairman. The Mekkottumala Action Council, formed by local residents against the alleged attacks by CPM cadres, had protested against the cutting of 41 coconut trees in the plot of NRI Vinod last week. As a mark of protest, they planted a new sapling in the plot on Saturday.
This was uprooted and stones were pelted at the house of Action Council chairman Edodi Chandran on Sunday. The 1.6 acre plot was bought by NRI KP Vinod seven months ago and since then there have been theft of coconuts. He alleged no action was taken despite lodging police complaints. The trees were allegedly cut by CPM workers in the "party village" at night. The NRI, apparently caught in the fight between CPM cadres and Action Council, says that considering the sensitivity of the area, he had sought the opinion of CPM local leaders, prior to buying the property.
