Journalism of Courage
Protests against implementing the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats turned violent in the hilly regions of North Kerala on Friday.
Following the Kasturirangan report on preservation of the ecology of Western Ghats,the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had issued orders prohibiting quarrying,mining and red category of industries in sensitive zones.
As the MoEF order was reported,people in hilly regions of Kozhikode and Kannur districts resorted to violent protest on Friday.
Police stations,forest offices and other government offices were attacked and scores of vehicles were torched in both districts,apart from observing dawn to dusk hartal in the regions to be affected by the orders. Agitators forcefully released the miscreants from police custody.
The ruling UDF and the opposition LDF had extended their support for the agitation,mainly spearheaded by Catholic Church. The LDF has called for a hartal in Idukki and Wayanad districts on Saturday.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the state government would not allow implementation of the recommendations of the report in a manner affecting life. More practical approach is required in implementing the report. The Centre should not have issued the notification at a time when Kerala has appointed a committee to study the concerns of the people,said Chandy.
