THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ∙ Vizhinjam was calm yesterday following a night-long massive conflict. Forensic team reached the spot and collected the evidence. More than 600 additional policemen have been deployed at Samarapanthals and Vizhinjam Junction.
Minister G.R. Anil said following the peace meeting that everyone except the strike committee declared their support for the Vizhinjam project. City Police Commissioner G. Spurgeon Kumar said that the police have taken precautionary measures. Representatives of various political parties including CPM, Congress and BJP also participated in the meeting.
∙ ‘The positions of the central and state governments which ignore the demand to solve the problems due to the construction of Vizhinjam port cannot be justified. Archbishop Dr. Dr. Thomas Neto, Assistant Bishop. R. Kristudas and others are protesting. It is inappropriate for the political leadership and administration to issue statements that aggravate the problem. A situation where the strike turned violent should have been avoided.’ – Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Committee (KCBC)
∙ ‘Government should realize that methods of provocation and interventions will not be beneficial for solving the problem in Vizhinjath. The government should try to solve the problem through peaceful measures without provoking the coastal community by filing a case once morest the president of Thiruvananthapuram archdiocese.’ – Bishop Dr. Joseph Curry, President, KRLCC
∙ ‘The Latin Archdiocese’s demand for a judicial investigation is justified. Congress will not accept it if the government’s aim is to suppress the struggle of fishermen who are fighting for their livelihood.’ – K. Sudhakaran, KPCC President
∙ ‘The state government has gone into trouble regarding the Vizhinjam conflict. There were situations where people attacked the police station. It means that the home department of Kerala has no master. Where are the 2 ministers in the capital?’ – V. Muralidharan, Union Minister
∙ ‘It is ridiculous to say that those who are violently protesting in Vizhinja should have a judicial inquiry in defiance of the court orders and the assurances given to the court.’ – Minister Ahmed Devarkov
∙ ‘The anti-port strike will be supported by the government. The government has a double standard when it comes to strike. Minister Antony Raju, his brother and family members are at the forefront of the strike.’ – K. Surendran, BJP state president
∙ ‘The strike committee should withdraw from Vizhinjam strike. The government accepted six of the seven demands raised by the strike committee. The demand to stop the construction of the port cannot be accepted.’ – AN Shamseer, Speaker
English Summary: More police deputed at Vizhinjam
