Thirteen opposition MLAs, representing the constituencies in the high range area of Kerala, staged satyagraha (peaceful protest) in front of the Legislature complex at Thiruvananathapuram, on Tuesday against the implementation of the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats. The MLAs started the satyagraha after walking out from the morning session of the House.
Earlier, in the House, K K Jayachandran, an MLA from Idukki district, moved an urgent motion against the Kasturirangan Committee report, alleging it was against the interests of the local small and medium farmers, but favours the quarry and mining mafia.
In his reply, forests minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the report would not be implemented unless all issues pertaining to small and medium farmers were settled. He assured the House that no farmer would be evicted from his land in the light of the report. Chief minister Oommen Chandy said the report would be implemented only after a detailed discussion in the House.
Later, in view of chief minister's and forests minister's replies, the Speaker denied permission to present the urgent motion, which led to the Opposition staging a walkout.
Then, the 13 MLAs squatted in front of the House and the Opposition leader inaugurated their satyagraha.
Earlier, in the House, K K Jayachandran, an MLA from Idukki district, moved an urgent motion against the Kasturirangan Committee report, alleging it was against the interests of the local small and medium farmers, but favours the quarry and mining mafia.
In his reply, forests minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the report would not be implemented unless all issues pertaining to small and medium farmers were settled. He assured the House that no farmer would be evicted from his land in the light of the report. Chief minister Oommen Chandy said the report would be implemented only after a detailed discussion in the House.
Later, in view of chief minister's and forests minister's replies, the Speaker denied permission to present the urgent motion, which led to the Opposition staging a walkout.
Then, the 13 MLAs squatted in front of the House and the Opposition leader inaugurated their satyagraha.
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