Protests intensify against move to split Palakkad rail division

Protests intensified here on Monday against the Railway Board’s decision to transfer the Mangaluru-Ullal section from the Palakkad railway division to the Mysuru division of South Western Railway. The DYFI held a protest march to the Divisional Railway Manager’s (DRM) office at Olavakkode, demanding withdrawal of the decision. CPI(M) district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu inaugurated the protest.

The protesters blocked all four gates of the DRM office. Tension broke out when some activists climbed over the gates and compound wall and entered the premises, while others tried to force open the gates. This led to a scuffle with the police and Railway Protection Force personnel.

DYFI district secretary Jayadevan led a five-member group into the office, followed by other protesters who staged a sit-in in the courtyard. Police later removed and arrested the protesters. DYFI state secretary M. Vijin, MLA, said the organisation would continue its agitation until the decision to split the Palakkad division was withdrawn. He also criticised the United Democratic Front (UDF) government for not protesting against the move.

DYFI has announced protest marches to railway stations in Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad districts on Tuesday. The Youth Congress also held a protest march to the DRM office, led by its district committee. V.K. Sreekandan, MP, inaugurated the march.

After the inauguration, protesters climbed over the compound wall and entered the DRM office premises, leading to another confrontation with police. Several protesters were arrested and removed from the premises. The UDF has announced a hunger strike in front of the DRM office on Wednesday, the Thiruvonam day. Several MPs from the State will take part in the hunger strike.