Protestors intensify stir against GAIL project in Kodur

Malappuram: As the GAIL restarted the pipe-laying works for the gas pipeline project in several parts of Malappuram district, the action council which opposes the project has intensified protest in Kodur. 

Hundreds of residents took out to the streets at Kodur for a protest march which was inaugurated by P.K Kunhalikutty, Malappuram MP.  P. Ubaidullah, MLA,  was also present besides several local body representatives and hundreds of affected residents. The protestors allege that the works are being done without considering the concerns of people's representatives.  "The authorities are going ahead with the pipe-laying works despite strong protest against the alignment of the pipeline. We have decided to strengthen the protest in coming days," said P.A. Salam, the district chairman of anti GAIL action council. 

The council would organise a protest march to secretariat on January 24, he said.  The state government's efforts to pacify the protestors by doubling up the compensation package have not helped much. The action council has decided to continue protest demanding the realignment of the pipeline route to avoid densely populated areas.