Kerala state’s minister for ports V Abdurahiman has heavily criticised the ongoing protests against Vizhinjam international sea port by terming the church led protests as anti-national.
Terming these protests as an offence against national interests, the minister said he cannot accept these protests as a person who loves his country.
“Hindering construction activities which are crucial for the nation’s development should be examined as an anti-national move. I don’t think these demonstrations are protests, it is something else,” the minister said, reports Mathrubhumi.
“Government has solved many challenges earlier. But there is a limit for the government to bow to pressures. We want the protesters to realise the situation. The port will become a reality soon. The government has the determination to implement the project on time,” he added.
Violent protests against Vizhinjam port
The protests against Vizhinjam Transshipment hub in Kerala spearheaded by the latin catholic church took a violent turn on Sunday night (27 November).
A violent mob descended on Vizhinjam police station and held the police officers hostage demanding the release of five protesters who were taken into custody for obstructive protests on Saturday (26 November).
At least 29 policemen were seriously injured and police vehicles were damaged in the attack.
The Latin Church, spearheading the ongoing agitation against the under-construction Vizhinjam port, sought to justify the violence that erupted during the weekend, claiming that it was only a natural response to provocations scripted by the government. The church asserted that the protest would continue.