This story is part of
All about Erode (East) bypoll 2023
SHOW MORE 255 STORIES

Erode (East) bypoll | Activists threaten black flag protest during CM Stalin’s visit

Members of the T.N. Environmental Protection Movement have alleged that following their highlighting of issues of land encroachment and illegal mineral extraction in Erode district, they have been attacked, but no action has been taken against the perpetrators

February 21, 2023 02:23 pm | Updated 03:46 pm IST - ERODE

Representational image. File

Representational image. File | Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

Stating that the Tamil Nadu government has failed to protect the lives of social activists who brought to attention to a case of illegal extraction of minerals, the Tamil Nadu Environmental Protection Movement has threatened to protest with black flags during Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visit to Erode on February 24. A bypoll to the Erode (East) constituency is scheduled for February 27.

In a petition submitted to the district police, the Movement’s coordinator and activist R.S. Mugilan said that government land in the Ekkattampalayam panchayat in Perundurai block had been encroached upon by the AIADMK’s union secretary, who had extracted minerals worth ₹16 crore.

The issue was taken up with Perundurai Tahsildar who is also the Executive Magistrate and proof was also submitted in November 2022.

A complaint was also lodged with the Superintendent of Police on January 4, 2023, demanding action. However, no steps were taken by the officials, the petition said.

“The hillock continues to be destroyed every day and despite submitting petitions no action was taken,” the petition said.

The petition said that P. Tamil Selvan of Chennimalai, who submitted the petitions, was attacked by a gang on May 4, 2022, and the police arrested a few persons, but failed to disclose details.

“No case was registered against the quarry owner who instigated the attack and the police are trying to close the case,” the petition said.

“We are forced to organise a black flag protest democratically during Mr. Stalin’s visit for the election campaign in Erode and a suitable place should be allotted for us,” the petition said.

Top News Today

Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.