The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Protests, prayers mark Christmas in city

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Friday, Dec 26, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Protests, prayers mark Christmas in city

Staff Reporter

Vallarpadom evictees take out ‘hunger march’

March taken out in protest against the delay
in rehabilitation process
District administration making all efforts to speed up rehabilitation: Collector

KOCHI: The ringing of the bells was not musical for all ears in the city on Christmas day. While the rest of the city celebrated Christmas with all traditional fervour, some were on a protest march. Nearly 70 persons, representing families displaced from Moolamppilly, Mulavukadu, Cheranalloor and Eloor for the proposed Vallarpadom International Container Transhipment Terminal, took out a ‘hunger march’ to the residence of District Collector M. Beena.

The march was taken out in protest against the delay in the rehabilitation process. Even though it was decided at a meeting chaired by Minister for Fisheries and Registration S. Sarma that land would be given to all those evicted for the terminal, the rehabilitation process is getting delayed indefinitely.

Communist Party of India district council member P.J. Sebastian inaugurated the march. The police stopped the march that began from Menaka Junction near the Collector’s residence.

Francis Kalathungal, general convenor of the coordination committee for those displaced by development projects, presided over the meeting, which was addressed by Thomas Kandathil Cor Episcopa and representatives of political parties and rights activists.

Representing the protestors, Rosily Antony and Agnes Antony presented a cake to Dr. Beena.

The Collector told them that the district administration was making all efforts to speed up the rehabilitation process. Dr. Beena also returned the gesture by presenting them cakes.

Celebrations

The rest of the city celebrated the festival in the traditional manner, with devotees attending midnight masses in churches.

Mar Thomas Chakiath, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamali, led the Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil delivered the Christmas message to the faithful.

Daniel Acharuparambil, Archbishop of Varappuzha, led the mass at St. Francis Assisi Cathedral, Varappuzha.

Bishop Joseph Karikkassery led the mass at the historic Santa Cruz Basilica at Fort Kochi.

Cultural programmes

Shopping and cultural programmes marked the celebrations, as traffic along the city picked up during the afternoon. Even during the forenoon, the shopping malls had a sizeable crowd who were out to feel the Christmas mood.

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