KOCHI: A public meeting, ‘Chuvadu Vypin’, organised at Rajendra Maidan to protest against the construction of IOC’s LPG terminal in Puthuvype was inaugurated by senior journalist B R P Bhaskar in the presence of thousands of Vypin residents and other distinguished persons. “It is surprising even in 2017 the government believes they can curb a mass movement by saying the protestors are anti-development forces or terrorists,” said Bhaskar in his address. He said any development should be planned without compromising on social welfare.
Former KPCC president V M Sudheeran said calling protestors anti-nationals has become a trend. He said he was extremely depressed after hearing about the police lathi-charge against the Vypin protestors in February.”I was in America at the time and marked my strong protest against the brutal incident through social media,” he said.
CPM leader S Sharma said he has been actively involved in the public movement since its beginning and will support them at any cost. He said nobody is against development, but people’s basic rights should not be affected. He added alternative solutions should be sought rather than harassing civilians in the name of development.
Veteran CPM leader V S Achuthanandan who could not attend the meeting sent his message, which stated no development can happen by putting human life in danger. He expressed his distress on the stand taken by the government while catering to such issues. The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including K V Thomas MP, Hibi Eden MLA, activists Medha Patkar and C R Neelakandan. Owing to an High Court order, Puthuvype residents had to cancel their plan to organise a march from Goshree bridge to Rajendra Maidan. Various programmes were held in Puthuvype on Sunday including a musical concert by Oorali band as a mark of protest.