Thiruvananthapuram : The Union Forest and Environment Bhupender Yadav should clarify if the plantation workers and ordinary people from small houses who perished in the landslides were illegal migrants ?, said Chief Minister.
The victims of disaster must not be insulted with false allegations. In labelling victims who lived in thatched huts and worked in the estate as illegal encroachers, the Union Minister seeks to place the onus for landslides on the heads of poor workers, said CM at a press conference in the capital.
For those with even a slight understanding of Kerala’s hilly terrain, would not term these victims as illegal migrants. Migration is centuries old. It is not correct to place migrants in the same bracket as immigrants.
Kerala is still reeling from the tragedy that annihilated its one entire region. A better system should be put in place to prevent such devastation. The time now calls for intense thought and collective efforts, and it is unfortunate that it is being used for narrow interests instead.
The accusation that landslides were caused by illegal mining is bizarre. The distance from the disaster site to the nearest quarry is 10.2 km. Reports from Press Information Bureau suggest that the Centre is coaxing scientists to write articles blaming Kerala for the landslides. This becomes all the more evident in the statements made by Union Minister. Who does this paid-writing program seek to hurt?
It is common knowledge that there are no illegal settlers in Mundakai, a place which remains protected as ecologically sensitive area. The politics of even then alleging illegal mining as trigger to landslides will be well deciphered by the Malayalis, said CM.
