Vizhinjam port: Govt to move forward with project, strike committee to continue protests

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government clarified yesterday that they will go ahead with the Vizhinjam port project which is Kerala's dream while the strike committee leaders announced that they will not back down from the protest. Many political and community organizations have announced their support for the project and condemned the violence. Meanwhile, following the Vizhinjam police station attack, an all-party meeting was convened by District Collector Geromick George and it has been agreed to avoid conflict. Minister GR Anil said in a press conference that the strike committee and representatives of community and political parties have agreed with this.

“The police will go ahead with impartial measures. Precautions have been taken to prevent violent incidents. Strict action will be taken in case of false propaganda which destroys communal harmony. The government held talks six times to find a solution to the issue and are still ready for that. The strike committee responded that the attack was a natural reaction to the police action. I don’t have anything to say to such people,” said the minister. The representatives of the 24 participating organizations asked everyone to cooperate to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.

In the station attack, case have been registered against 3000 persons including women and children and a loss of Rs 85 lakh is estimated. The FIR stated that the strike committee attacked the Vizhinjam station to kill the policemen and free the detainees. The attack was a planned one. Cases have been registered under section IPC 143 (Unlawful assembly), 145, 147 (rioting), 149, 188, 120-B (criminal conspiracy) 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 447 (criminal trespass), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and section 3(2)(e) of the Destruction of Public Property Act.

The station was attacked following the arrest of the seventh accused in the previously registered case and also Leo Stanley, Muthappan, Pushparaj and Shanki who were involved in the case. They attacked the station using rods, stones and cement bricks and took the policemen hostage. They threatened to burn the policemen in the station if they did not release those in custody.

They damaged plant pots in the station premises and also vandalized two jeeps, a jeep and a minibus, which caused a loss of Rs 80 lakh. Window panes, glass, bulbs and water purifier of the station and surrounding buildings were broken and led to a loss of 5 lakh, as stated in the FIR prepared by SI Prajeesh Sasi.