Govt bound to obey court; new place will be found soon, says Minister Saseendran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest Minister A K Saseendran said the government is bound to obey the court in Arikomban issue. The forest department will find a new place and submit a report tomorrow, informed the minister. The issue cannot be prolonged indefinitely, he said.

Meanwhile, the people's committee had decided to strengthen protests, seeing the possibility of bringing Arikomban to Parambikulam. An all-party meeting will be held in Palakkad Muthalamada Panchayat and will decide on the protests to be staged. Nenmara MLA K Babu submitted a memorandum to the chief minister expressing the concern of the people of Parambikulam.

The order of the high court not making mandatory the idea of translocating Arikomban to Parampikulam, had given hope to the people. However, with the rejection of state government’s plea filed in the Supreme Court, they are a bit concerned again. Although the forest department said that they could not find a suitable place, many doubt the translocation of Arikomban to Parambikulam. Political organizations including the CPM, have stated that they will not go on strike for the time being. Congress and BJP are continuing their protests.

The Janakeeya Samithi’s stand is that they will not withdraw the protests without getting a written assurance from the government. The all-party group informed considering protests including hunger strike.