Government meet on pooram today

Thiruvananthapuram: Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran on Wednesday said the government would convene a meeting of elephant owners on Thursday to resolve the issue regarding elephant Thechikottukavu Ramachandran.

The meeting is taking place in the wake of Elephant Owners’ Association’s decision to keep off from Thrissur pooram. The minister said the decision was unfortunate. In view of the association’s stand, the government will take all steps to ensure that pooram is organised with the same pomp and fanfare as last year.

“If the association has any doubt or misunderstanding, the government is willing to hold discussions with them to allay their apprehensions. As far as the government is concerned, there is no obstinacy in Ramachandran’s issue. But we need to see the danger around us. Thousands of people gather at pooram, therefore safety is of prime importance. The big question is whether it is possible for the government to defy or ignore the orders and decisions taken by the forest department for ensuring safety and security of the people,” he said.

The minister said in the event of any unfortunate incident, the government will come under attack for security lapse.

The government will also be accused of allowing Ramachandran to participate in the festival despite the forest department order.

The minister said since 2009, Ramachandran has killed seven persons and two captive elephants. So the danger is lurking.

However, Kadakampally said there was no need for any differences between elephant owners association and the government.

The government was taking all decisions to ensure success of temple festivals.

A section of people have moved High Court on the issue. “Let the court come out with a direction the government will act accordingly,” he added.

Mr Surendran slammed the BJP for politicising issue. He said the government would take suitable decision on the matter and it’s doors are always open.