CM V.D. Satheesan made a major statement on the Pariyathukavu land dispute in Ernakulam, Kerala, stating, “Despite the court order, no Dalit family will be deprived of their homes; the government will provide rehabilitation.”
Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan issued a major assurance on Monday. He clarified that no Dalit family will be left homeless in the process of resolving the long-pending land dispute involving Pariyathukavu residents in Ernakulam district.
Speaking on this sensitive issue after a cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister responded to criticism from leftist parties. He stated that the government’s primary focus is on rehabilitating the affected families, even if legal compulsions require eviction action.
Indeed, a private party obtained an eviction order from the Supreme Court, following which the Kerala High Court also directed the land to be vacated. Responding to this, Satheesan said that if the court order is implemented, the government will provide these families with alternative land and housing so they don’t have to wander the streets.
To this end, the government has already initiated discussions with the Advocate General and senior legal officials. The aim is to find a humane and practical solution to the matter. Given the gravity of the situation, the government has also directed the Advocate General to seek more time from the court.
The Pariyathukavu case involves a disputed piece of land near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam. Dalit families have lived there for decades, while some private parties have been claiming ownership of the land.
The dispute has been escalating since the court ordered the land to be vacated based on ownership. Repeated failed eviction attempts and demands for the families’ rehabilitation have made it a major political issue in the state.
Launching a scathing attack on the previous CPI(M)-led Left government, the Chief Minister said he was surprised to see two former ministers from the previous cabinet protesting there. He sarcastically remarked that this was happening just a day after the new government was sworn in.
The Chief Minister explained that this was the 15th attempt to evict residents. During the previous Left government’s tenure, attempts were made to evict residents 14 times on court orders, but no concrete steps were taken toward rehabilitation.
Satheeshan stressed that this was a land dispute filed by a private individual. He alleged that the Left government did not take even the slightest initiative to resolve the issue, but his government took cognizance of it the very next day after coming to power.
To resolve the dispute, the government immediately sent Higher Education Minister Rosy M. John to Ernakulam to speak directly to the protesting family members. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the government has reviewed all options and has determined that even if the court order is implemented, the eight affected families will not lose their homes.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News