Pariyathkavu Land Issue: Government Is Supporting Those Allegedly Claiming to Be Landowners, Says Residents

Perumbavoor: The protest committee alleged that the postponement of the discussion which was scheduled for last Friday regarding the displacement of Dalit families in Pariyathukavu was intended to help those claiming ownership of the land. The committee also expressed suspicion that Minister Roji M John, MLA V.P. Seendran, and officials wanted to forcibly evict the families living in Unnathi.

According to the protest committee, the families living in Unnathi and the committee had agreed to a settlement following the intervention of the minister and the district collector. Their position is that houses should first be constructed for the affected families in designated areas within the Pariyathukavu land and handed over to them before they are asked to vacate their current homes.

Although the families and committee members reached the collectorate on Friday night at 8 p.m. for the meeting, it was postponed without explanation. The committee questioned whether the minister, MLA, and officials were acting to protect the interests of the family of Sankaran Nair, who claims ownership of the land.

The committee stated that the previous government had decided to survey and demarcate the 19-acre area and identify public land. Based on a High Court order, the district collector had also issued directions to identify government land. They added that when Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister K. Thulasi visited Pariyathukavu, assurances were given that the order would be implemented quickly.

However, the committee now alleges that authorities have moved away from that position as part of an alleged nexus between officials and land mafias. They said the protest would continue until their demands and rights are secured.

Committee chairman C.M. Abdul Kareem, convener K.M. Siraj, P.V. Sunny, and A.K. Muraleedharan participated in the press conference.