Congress supports removal of cross on encroached land in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, April 26, 2017: The young leaders of Congress have expressed their dissent over the United Democratic Front (UDF) reaction condemning the removal of cross from encroached land by officials at Pappathichola near Suryanelli in Munnar.

During the political affairs committee meeting of the State Congress Committee (KPCC) held here on Monday, KPCC vice-president V D Satheesan came out strongly against the statement of UDF convener P P Thankachan that the incident was an insult to the ‘holy cross’.

Young leaders like P C Vishnunath and M Lijju supported the views of Satheesan and urged the party to take a strong stand against encroachers irrespective of caste or religion.

Satheesan said it was most unfortunate that the front supported the views of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan even. Even the church heads were supporting the removal of the cross illegally put up on government land, he pointed out.

Following the pressure from the young leaders, the KPCC decided to issue a statement supporting the eviction drive in Munnar.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, KPCC president M M Hassan said, “The party has decided to support the action of revenue officials removing the cross.” When it was pointed out that it contradicted the statement made by UDF convener, Hassan said, “This is the stand of the party.” He added that the government should take strong action against all encroachments.

On repeated queries over the statement made by Thankachan, Vishnunath, who was also present along with the KPCC president at the news conference, reiterated that it was the KPCC decision. Party leaders like Kodikkunnil Suresh and Benny Behnan too urged the party leadership to come out with a firm stand on the eviction in Munnar.

– times of india