It was crisis management, P.C. George style: when your opponents become unmanageable, just take out your pistol and ask them to shut up.
The controversial Harrison-Malayalam Plantations at Mundakkayam witnessed dramatic scenes when the inimitable MLA arrived for peacemaking among two groups of workers at the plantation which was embroiled in a legal battle with the government.
According to the police, there was a long standing problem between the families staying at the puramboke area adjoining the plantation near the Manimala river and the workers of the plantation.
On Wednesday, the issue erupted once again and Mr. George arrived to settle the issue. However he was received by irate plantation workers who surrounded his car. After a few minutes of verbal battle with the workers, Mr. George came out of the car, took out his pistol and shouted at the workers. The situation was brought under control after a few of the local trade union leaders ventured to meet Mr. George and sorted out the matter.
The workers later alleged that Mr. George used foul language and threatened them with acid attack.
Meanwhile speaking to mediapersons, Mr George said that the people residing at the puramboke land were under constant attack from the ‘goondas’ employed by the plantation management who wanted them to be removed from the place.
According to them 52 families were staying at the puramboke land adjoining the plantation. One of these families was attacked by the workers of the plantation on Tuesday. These families had come to him seeking redressal of the grievances and a lasting solution to the problem.
“I had arrived in search of peace. But they showered me with abuse. So I shouted back. I have a licensed pistol. It is for use during this type of situations. I wont hesitate to use it,” he said.
Meanwhile the Mundakkayam police said they were yet to register any case over the issue.
