Kozhikode: Protest against destruction of coconut trees

KOZHIKODE: The coconut farmers and the action committee at  Mekkottumala at Kaiveli near Kuttiyadi have protested against the destruction of the entire coconut trees of an NRI by CPM workers.   They  planted a coconut seedling in the same area on Saturday, where 41 coconut trees were cut allegedly by the CPM men at night last week. Former MP P.C. Thomas also visited the area and offered support to the action committee. DCC chief T. Siddique who visited the site on Thursday  alleged that the culprits were yet to be arrested. BJP zonal president P. Raghunath also visited the place  on Wednesday.

The 1.6-acre plot was bought by NRI Vinod seven months ago and he alleged that the coconuts were being stolen. The destruction of properties  was frequent even during the period of the last LDF government. Congress leader Thiruvanchoorr Radhakrishnan had visited the area and met local leaders. The issues started again after Vinod bought the land. He says that  he had sought the opinion of the CPM local leaders, prior to buying the property.  However, the party denied any role in the destruction  and said that since the cutting of the trees took place during night, the culprits could not be identified.