CPI(M) calls hartal on Oct. 24 in 7 Pathanamthitta villages over ESA
The CPI(M) has announced a hartal in seven villages of Pathanamthitta, Kerala, to protest against the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification. The party claims the notification threatens local livelihoods and land rights, accusing the state government of failing to protect residents' interests.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the tension between environmental conservation efforts and the economic security of rural settler communities.
Keen to regain lost ground in central Travancore, the CPI(M) is seeking to capitalise on concerns among settler communities in the high ranges over the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification.
Following its September 16 hartal in Idukki over land related issues, the CPI(M) will organise another hartal in seven villages in Pathanamthitta on October 24, demanding their exclusion from the Centre’s draft ESA notification, district secretary Raju Abraham said.
The hartal will cover Chittar, Seethathode, Aruvappulam and Thannithode villages in Konni taluk, and Vadasserikkara, Perunad and Kollamula villages in Ranni taluk. A vehicle rally to mobilise support for the protest will tour the villages in the third week of October.
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