IDUKKI: Arikomban, the rogue rice-loving tusker, strayed into human habitat again and attacked a house in Idukki. This was at a time when a move to translocate the tusker to Parambikulam was continuing. The tusker pulled down a part of a house in Suryanelli Adivasi colony. The owner of the house, Leela, her daughter and baby were in the house at the time of the incident. They immediately fled from the spot. The kitchen and the front portion of the house were completely damaged in the attack.

Meantime, an all-party public hartal has been organized from 6 am to 6 pm today in Muthalamada panchayat to protest against the move to translocate Arikomban to Parambikulam forest. Traders, farmers and various political parties have given their full support for the hartal.

The locals blocked the trial run of the Arikomban mission in Vazhachal. The locals are protesting by blocking lorries. As Arikomban is being brought from Idukki via Vazhachal route, the road near the check post is being besieged.

K Babu MLA also said they will prevent translocating Arikomban to Parambikulam by all legally possible means. This will have all the support from the government. The translocation of Arikomban to Parambikulam is a threat to Adivasi communities, farmers of Muthalamada, Elavanchery, Ayilur, Pallashana, farmers and those living on the forest borders of Nelliampathi panchayats. The MLA said this move will be harmful to the people.