Date:06/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/06/stories/2009010660550300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Protest against delay in rehabilitation

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Laha Gopalan, president of Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi and leader of the Chengara protest, will inaugurate the public meeting to be held on Tuesday at High Court junction to protests against the delay in the rehabilitation of the evictees of the proposed International Container Transhipment Terminal at Vallarpadam.

Even though the last date set by the High Court for completing the rehabilitation process ends by January 15, the district administration has not taken any step towards this. Also, the provision of rent, as recommended in the Moolamppilly rehabilitation package announced by the State government, ended last month, said Francis Kalathunkal, general convenor of the coordination committee for those displaced by development projects.

Various social rights activists and representatives of political parties will address the meeting.

A documentary on the eviction done at Moolamppilly Island will also be screened on the occasion.