THODUPUZHA: MM Mani MLA said that there is no objection to the special task force coming to vacate the encroachments in Munnar. If the land has been illegally encroached, let it be checked and it will not be stopped. However, if the agenda is to create trouble with the people who have been living here for a long time, it will be resisted no matter which mission team is doing it, he clarified.

MM Mani said that there should be no doubt that they will be chased away if they come to do anything illegal, with political purposes. He was reacting to the formation of a special task force under the leadership of the District Collector to evacuate encroachments in Idukki. Apart from the District Collector, the task force comprises Sub Collector and RDO.

The High Court had sought the government's stand on deputing a special team to evacuate the encroachments and passed the order accordingly. The Joint Commissioner will review the mission's progress on a weekly basis. The District Police Chief should arrange adequate security to evacuate the encroachments. The order also says that the Forest, Public Works and Local Government Departments should provide necessary assistance.