Wayanad landslide victims protest against delayed rehabilitation
What's the story
Tensions flared in Chooralmala, Wayanad, as police intervened in a protest march led by landslide victims marching to the landslide-hit areas.
The demonstrators were demanding prompt action and a comprehensive relief package from the central government.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's rehabilitation plans for 323 families, which include establishing two new townships.
Grievances aired
Protesters allege exclusion from beneficiary lists
The protest, led by the Janashadam Action Committee, started at 9:00am.
Protesters tried to reach disaster-hit areas to establish temporary shelters as rehabilitation efforts have been delayed.
They alleged that many victims were left out of the beneficiary lists drawn up after the July 2024 disaster.
The protesters alleged the government backtracked on promises made to those affected by the disaster.
Sit-in staged
Protesters stage sit-in, demand comprehensive rehabilitation
The protest intensified when demonstrators cooked rice gruel at Chooralmala and marched across the Bailey Bridge. They were halted by police, resulting in a standoff.
In retaliation, protesters sat on the road and raised slogans for over an hour. The protest concluded after talks with police officials.
Leaders of the Janashabdham Action Committee demanded all affected be rehabilitated and slammed authorities for excluding people on technicalities.
Upcoming protest
Janakeeya Action Committee announces fast, demands land
Meanwhile, the Janakeeya Action Committee, another outfit representing the victims, has planned to go on a fast before the collectorate on February 25.
They are demanding that houses for victims be constructed on 10 cents of land at Elston Estate.
This is opposed to the government's plan to give five cents per family in a proposed township.
Rehabilitation update
Government releases draft 2nd list of beneficiaries
Meanwhile, the government has issued a draft second list of beneficiaries for rehabilitation. It includes 81 more people, taking the total number of people eligible for rehabilitation to 323.
The move comes amid continuing protests and demands for swift action from both the Janashabdham and Janakeeya Action Committees.