Vizhinjam strike: Government withdraws 157 cases; protest committee wants withdrawal of all cases

VIZHINJAM: Government has withdrawn the cases registered in the 2022 strike against the construction of Vizhinjam International Port. Out of 199 cases registered, 157 cases of non-serious nature were withdrawn. 42 cases of serious nature are still pending.

The government's decision was based on the applications received demanding the withdrawal of the cases. The Latin Archdiocese had demanded that all cases be withdrawn. A petition was given to the Chief Minister informing about this. 260 persons involved in the cases had also applied to the commissioner. However, the government is of the view that the cases of non-bailable sections, including the attack on the station, will not be withdrawn.

The decision to withdraw the cases has been taken as per the agreement between the government and the church. However, the Vizhinjam Samara Samiti is adamant that all the cases should be withdrawn. The strike committee says that the cases taken against the bishops are still pending.