Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Chandy visits Pallithura, offers help

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy has called on the State government to address the concerns raised by the local people over the health hazards caused by alleged pollution from the Ashapura Clay Factory inside the Kinfra Apparel Park at Menamkulam.

He was speaking after a visit to the Pallithura ward, the scene of a tense standoff between the residents and the police following an attack on the factory.

Mr. Chandy said the people desired development and industrial growth. “The local people have the glorious tradition of having surrendered an entire village for the establishment of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The government cannot turn a deaf ear to their concerns about pollution-induced health problems,” he said.

Mr. Chandy urged the police to stop “harassing and intimidating” the people for allegedly attacking the factory. He assured the residents that he would meet the Chief Minister and the Home Minister on Monday and take up the issue with them.

Hundreds of people, including a large number of women, gathered to meet Mr. Chandy and pour out their woes.

The action council against the Ashapura Clay Factory urged him to raise the issue in the Assembly. They protested against the failure to bring up the issue for discussion in the House.

Mr. Chandy listened to the complaints of the people for over an hour. He returned after assuring them of all possible help.

Vicar Father Laberine; M.A. Vahid, MLA; Youth Congress State general secretary John Vinesius; and action council leader F.J. Tennyson were among those who accompanied Mr. Chandy.

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