‘’We should not let this agitation fail, for if it happens, besides us, it would lower the morale of those who fight for survival at places such as Laloor and Njeliyamparamba as well.’’ These strong words by Congress mandalam president and former panchayat president A Babukumar egged on hundreds of agitators, including women and children, as they cheered standing stoutly in front of the anti-garbage plant protest venue at Vilappilsala, where the police were also present.
And the emotionally-charged Babukumar turned his face towards Vilappilsala panchayat president S Shobhana Kumari, who is on an indefinite fast, and continued: ‘’I am not concerned over my sister’s health, but I am only worried about the plight of the people here.’’
Echoing the determination in her brother’s word, a spirited Shobhana Kumari said: “I am ready to die for my people. I won’t move an inch unless and until the government comes up with a solution to this issue.’’ It was noon and Dr Anilkumar of Vellanad CHC reached the agitation ‘pandal’ for checking the health of Shobhana Kumari, who had launched the fast on Saturday. The doctor said that the leader’s condition was deteriorating, and the pulse had fallen. He said that she should be shifted to a hospital as soon as possible. Acting on the doctor’s advice, Nedumangad DySP M Iqbal urged those assembled to allow him to take her to a hospital, but the crowd did not budge.
‘’If you want to save her, convey the urgency of the situation to the Chief Minister,’’ CPI’s local leader Radhakrishnan told the police officer.
Hundreds of women were seen sitting in front of the makeshift tent and on the verandas of nearby shops applauding for each and every anti-government remark made by local leaders in their speeches. The alleged ‘stubbornness’ of the City Corporation and the ‘inaction’ of the government also came under fire. There was a huge presence of children at the venue as all schools in the panchayat limits were closed in view of the strike. Vehicles were blocked at the entrance of all roads leading to the panchayat.
Two kilometres away from the protest pandal, in front of the waste treatment plant, scores of men kept guard, determined not to allow the installation of the leachate plant, the equipment of which was sneaked into the factory early on Saturday.
The protestors were served with hot rice gruel and pickle near the venue. Going by the mood at the venue, it was palpable that the residents of Vilappilsala are ready to take on the forces that are pulling them down and to stay focused when they are engulfed by adversaries.
