Locals stage protest to bring Arikomban back to Chinnakanal

RAJAKAKD: A protest to bring back the rogue tusker Arikomban to Chinnakanal is gathering steam. The protest was organized on the Sooryanelli- Bodimettu road under the leadership of the locals of Chempakathozhukudi. The locals, including women and children, staged a protest from 8 am to 12 pm by placing a banner with a picture of a the tusker with a caption "Chempakathozhukudi Arikomban fans". The locals also organized a protest at 7 pm on Monday night. People from Aduvilanthan Kudi, Tankmedukudi, Pachapulkudi and Kozhipanakudi, where families belonging to the Muthuan community reside, also participated in yesterday's protest. The natives warned that Arikomban is Kerala's asset and if there are any measures that adversely affect the health of the tusker, a stronger strike will be staged.

This is the first time that the people of Chinnakanal, Shanthampara region, where Arikomban was born and lived most of his life so far, have organized a protest demanding his return to Chinnakanal. Earlier, after many protests and struggles by local residents, the elephant was moved to Periyar on April 29.