Kerala - Pathanamthitta   

Vedi leader threatens retaliation

PATHANAMTHITTA: Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi president Laha Gopalan has warned of “retaliation against attacks on Vedi workers and supporters” both inside and outside Kumbazha Estate at Chengara, where hundreds of Vedi workers are camping for the past 13 months.

Talking to The Hindu here on Sunday, Mr. Gopalan alleged that anti-social elements owing allegiance to Harrison Malayalam Limited attacked a group of Vedi supporters at Njalloor near Chengara on Thannithode Road on Sunday.

Mr. Gopalan said the Vedi supporters were taking food to their relatives camping at Kumbazha Estate. A Vedi supporter was injured in the attack. He said SJVSV workers had decided to “react against the attack as the government has failed to protect their right to freedom and right to live.”

He said many people were struggling due to starvation following the road blockade by trade union workers at Athumbamkulam, denying transportation of even food and medicines to the estate.

Meanwhile, District Collector P.C. Sanalkumar said the State Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission had sought a report on the Chengara issue. Mr. Sanalkumar said commission chairman P.K. Sivanandan would soon visit Chengara.

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Vedi leader threatens retaliation

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