Date:09/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/09/stories/2007060919890100.htm

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VS' directive to officials on eviction

Special Correspondent

On the basis of complaints that steps are on to evict places of worship

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has asked officials not to evict or demolish places of worship, offices of political parties and memorials when they evict encroachers on Government land in different parts of the State.

The Chief Minister's office said here on Friday that the direction had been given on the basis of complaints that steps were being taken to evict such places..

The officials had been asked not to evict poor persons either or demolish their houses.

Forest Minister Benoy Viswom said here on Friday that the talks between the CPI Ministers and the Chief Minister on Thursday were for strong and error-free action against encroachers.

"The Government is keen that the measures taken to resume encroached lands should be strong and free of drawbacks."

Denying reports that the Forest Department's move to take over 3,113.64 acres of land from Tata Tea was aimed at helping the company, Mr. Viswom said any other land found in excess of the Land Board award to the company would be taken over.

Mr. Achuthanandan on Friday assured the leaders of the Kerala State Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi that the Government would not target the small traders, the samithi said.