Social activist Irom Sharmila called for concerted fight for justice.
Speaking at the valedictory session of a campaign for ending pollution of the Periyar, the renowned activist from Manipur said some people were constructing swimming pools and resorts, while hundreds were struggling to get enough quantity of drinking water.
Pollution caused by some industrial units on the banks of the river endangered the lives of millions who were depending on it for their sustenance, she said.
Reposing her faith in the non-violent mode of agitation, she said the campaign to save the Periyar should become the voice of the voiceless.
Joseph Kalathiparambil, Arch Bishop of Varapoly Arch Dioceses, presided over the public meeting held in this relation.
The campaign, rally and the public meeting were jointly organised by the Collective for Right to Live, Ernakulam-Angamay Arch Dioceses, Varapoly Arch Dioceses, and Kudivella Samrakshana Samiti.
A book authored by G.D Martin was released at the function. Ecologist M.K. Prasad, social activist M. Gitanandan, Fr. Augustine Vattoli, and former Imam of the Palayam Juma Masjid Yusuf Muhammad spoke.
