KOZHIKODE: Posing a tough challenge to the LDF government in its efforts to complete the GAIL pipeline project in the state, Janakeeya Samara Samithi, the umbrella organisation of protesters, on Saturday decided to intensify and extend the agitation to seven districts. The decision to challenge the state government’s move to go ahead with the project was taken at a meeting of the Samara Samithi held here in the city. The meeting also formed a coordination committee comprising 51 members to decide on highlighting the people’s demands at the state level.
Janakeeya Samara Samithi leader C P Cheriya Mohammed said thee agitation will be intensified at the grass root level in all districts. “We have decided to set up temporary huts in all seven districts from November 25. Children and women from each locality participate in the protest” he said. “We are not ready for any compromise. We want the alignment of the pipeline to be changed. The GAIL should stop laying pipeline in densely populated areas.
They can lay the pipeline along the coastline,” he said. Cheriya Mohammed said the Samithi is not against the project but will strongly oppose the project in its present form as it affects the livelihood of hundreds of people. “We are not for confrontation with the government. The protest will be peaceful. Our demands are clear and just,” he said.The meeting also demanded a judicial inquiry into the police atrocities against protesters at Mukkam. Local leaders of Congress, Muslim League, SDPI and Welfare Party attended the meeting.
Police form spl squad
Meanwhile, the district police have formed a 45-member task force to hold talks with the local people and dispel their apprehensions regarding the project and the compensation package. The task force will visit the houses of the people whose land have been earmarked for the pipeline project. The decision has been taken to avert confrontation and ensure peace, said an officer.