Government should declare a transportation and rehabilitation policy: P Mujeeb Rahman

Kannur: State President of the Solidarity Youth Movement, P Mujeeb Rahman urged the Governments to put forward a constant policy on transportation and rehabilitation of those people who are to be brutally expelled of their homes in the name of National Highway development. He was delivering the inaugural speech of a call-for-agitation programme in Edakkad Bazar, conducted by Kannur District Committee under the movement's state-wide campaign titled, "Develop the National Highway, Sell Not". The campaign is purposed to fight for the sake of people who will lose their homes and properties, if the proposed National Highway development plan is implemented. 

            Mr. Mujeeb Rahman strongly slammed the Government on its move to take over the land for the development of National Highway, without attending to the special geographical and social conditions of Kerala. He reiterated that Solidarity Youth Movement is not against the development of any kind, but reminded the authority its plea for a humanistic approach in   development. Several studies and surveys from Indian Roads Congress and Surface Transportation Board and others have clearly exposed the fact that 30 meter is enough to convert the existing NHs into four-lane. But, the Government, which plans to acquire 45 meter, he said is keeping the interests of real estate goons. 
Today, the Government, which takes no heed in materialising the High-Range and Coastal highways is only dreaming of a North-South Express Highway. Mr. Mujeeb Rahman hoped that there will be strong popular agitations to fight the authorities trying to acquire unnecessary land. He expressed confidence that even housewives all across the State should come out to run away the officials appearing to take surveys with their grooms. 

            Natives of Muzhappilangadu and Nadaal, including housewives and children who are in threat of forcing out of their houses because of the development of National Highway participated in the function. District President of Solidarity Youth Movement, K M Maqbool presided over the function. Solidarity State Committee member T P Muhammed Shameem, Jawahar Foundation Chairman Edakkad Premarajan, All Party Action Committee Chairman P Hameed Master and M K Abubacker spoke in the occasion. Jamaat e Islami District President, Kalathil Basheer, Solidarity District General Secretary N M Shafeeque, Secretary K Zakariya also attended the function. Thalassery Area President A P Ajmal delivered the welcome speech. P A Saeed offered vote of thanks.