Kochi: Residents refuse to vacate

Kochi: The deadline set by the Maradu municipality for the residents of the five apartments, ordered to be demolished by the Supreme Court to vacate their premises, ended at midnight on Monday with none abiding by the directive. They have instead decided to move the High Court against the notice issued by the municipality challenging its validity.

"We have decided to file the petition on September 19 when the court will reopen after Onam holidays," said K. Shamsuddin, a resident of Holy Faith H2O. "There, we will challenge the validity of the notice issued by the municipality. In the meanwhile, we will continue our protests."

He said the eviction notice was not properly issued by the municipality and it was not issued to the affected parties, the residents.

Meanwhile the protest by the residents continues with support pouring from different sectors.

Various political leaders including AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy and IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty arrived at the protest venue at the Holy Faith H2O apartments on Monday in support of the residents and have assured them of all possible help.

"The Chief Minister has called an all-party meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue, " Mr Chandy said. "We demand a team of delegates led by the Chief Minister to approach the central government for an immediate solution."

Besides, the office-bearers of Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) have also reached the protest venue on Monday.

The flat owners have also reportedly decided to give a petition to the Chief Minister seeking action against the three-member committee that had given report to the Supreme Court regarding the violation of CRZ norms.