Kalpetta: The Wayanad district committee of Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has strongly criticised the central government for neglecting the victims of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster and announced a 24-hour protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in Delhi on February 24 and 25. The protest aims to demand immediate relief measures and policy changes to support affected residents.
At a press conference, LDF leaders highlighted their primary demands, which include allocating ₹2,000 crore for disaster relief, as per the state government’s request, and waiving loans for disaster victims. To amplify their call for justice, 165 volunteers, including disaster-affected residents, will take part in the protest, marching from Kerala House at 10 am on February 24. The protest will continue until 10 am on February 25. Alongside LDF MPs from Kerala, national leaders and parliamentarians from other states are expected to participate.
In solidarity with the Delhi protest, LDF will also organise processions and awareness meetings across all panchayat centres in Wayanad on the evening of February 24. The protest is not only about disaster relief but also highlights long-pending demands crucial to the region’s development.
Other key issues raised by the LDF include:
- Immediate implementation of the Nilambur–Nanjangud and Thalassery–Mysuru railway projects to boost connectivity and economic growth.
- Amendment of the 1972 Forest and Wildlife Act to address land disputes and ensure better rights for forest-dependent communities.
- Sanctioning ₹1,000 crore from the Centre to implement measures preventing wildlife attacks that endanger farmers and local residents.
- Granting permission to issue land title deeds to farmers whose land surveys have been completed by the forest and revenue departments.
- Lifting the night travel ban on national highways, which has been a persistent issue affecting transportation and trade.
The LDF strongly asserts that these demands are essential for Wayanad’s disaster-hit residents and for addressing larger socio-economic challenges in the region. The protest aims to pressure the central government into taking immediate and concrete action to support Kerala’s people.
