KOLLAM: Some are trying to starve many families under the guise of Alappad strike, said Industries Minister E P Jayarajan. There are many people working in the mining sector. If it is stopped, they will lose their jobs and their families will starve, he said.

The government has so far not received any complaint on the environmental issues in Alappad. Mining will not be stopped on anyone’s pressure. Let the people who protest think on their own. I came to know about the strike from TV, he said.

Black sand is an asset given by nature and if it can be completely procured many are sure to obtain jobs. There are no differences of opinion in the Left Front on the steps to be taken on the Alappad issue, he said.