Solidarity and residents blocked NH survey officials at Harippad

Harippad: Marking popular protest against unfair land acquisition for NH development,
residents headed by people's right groups including the Solidarity Youth Movement interrupted officials, who turned up for land survey in Harippad. Officials were spotted
beside the National Highway between Kannukali Palam and Thottapalli in North Karuvatta at 11 a.m on Monday. Hearing to the news, residents and agitators rushed into
the spot to block the officials from surveying.

Later, it was revealed that ten survey officials were deployed by the deputy collector of land acquisition division. Police, who were present at the scene to shield the surveyors removed protesters with force and massive arrest, including Solidarity leaders. People were found doubly charged against the survey as it was done while officials associated with land acquisition for NH are listening to the concerns of public at different places in the district. Agitators later announced that no survey will be allowed until they get reasonable answers to their queries and anxieties.

Residents, leaders and activists of various protest groups such as the Solidarity Youth Movement, Vyapari Vyvasayi Ekopana Samithi, Highway Action Forum and SUCI were
arrested and taken into Harippad police station. Following the unjust incidents, Vyapari Vyvasayi Ekopana Samithi declared a harthal in Harippad. Shops were shut down in places like Harippad, Daanappadi, Karuvatta and Nangyarkkulangara.

Solidarity took a march into the surveyed places. V A Abubacker, district president, A S Riyas, district secretary and Haris, area president of Harippad headed the march. Action
Council has decided to block officials if they come up next days for surveys.