Kerala - Pathanamthitta   

Anti-helmet rally held in Pathanamthitta

Staff Reporter

In protest against Government move

PATHANAMTHITTA: The All-Kerala Two-Wheeler Users’ Association (AKTWUA) district unit organised an anti-helmet rally in Pathanamthitta town on Saturday afternoon, protesting against the Government decision making helmet compulsory for two-wheeler riders.

As many as 150 motorcyclists and scooter riders participated in the rally without wearing helmets. The State Volley Ball Association district president, George Philip, flagged off the rally from St. Peter’s square. A public meeting was held later at central junction.

Addressing the meeting, AKTWUA district president Salem P.Chacko alleged that the Government decision was aimed at satisfying the commercial interests of certain helmet manufactures.

He alleged that majority of helmets available in the market were ‘duplicates’ of popular brands, with fake ISI marks printed on them. Government has sidelined more important road safety aspects while deciding to make helmets compulsory, he added.

There were also reports of helmets causing neurological problems to a large number of motorcyclists, not to speak of the inconvenience it caused elderly people, Mr Saleem said.

“How can the Government direct the people to wear helmets in order to protect their heads when a majority of the roads, including State Highways remained heavily pot-holed, making them veritable death traps ?,” he asked.

Municipal councillors Mr K.Anilkumar, Mr C.K.Arjunan and Mr M.S.Abdul Salam, also spoke.

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