Former MP P.T. Thomas said here on Wednesday that he was punished for speaking against a mafia which had funded a group to fight against the Gadgil committee report on Western Ghats conservation.
‘‘There is no regrets over it, as I am not willing to compromise on ideals and values,’’' he said while speaking at the Victor George memorial programme organised by the KUWJ at Idukki Press Club, Thodupuzha.
Mr. Thomas said he was not willing to surrender to the diktats of the mafia that would bring harm to the environment and mankind. He said religious leaders funded by forest and land mafia had created fear among the people on the issue of Gadgil committee report.
This made the poor farmers to sell their land at a low price benefiting the timber and real estate lobby, he said.
Incidents of encroachment and drug peddling were increasing in the district. A large portion of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project was under the illegal possession of land grabbers. Mr. Thomas said.
Thodupuzha municipal chairman A.M. Harid delivered the Victor George memorial speech.
