Pics: Savitha B R
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS/CN)

Mangalore, Apr 29: At a protest meet organized by the DYFI in front of the DC’s office on Friday April 29, district unit president Muneer Katipalla urged the central government to take a call on endosulfan.

He said that though the level of harm caused by endosulfan both in Kerala and Karnataka is equal, politicians in our state have been acting as if Karnataka is less affected by endosulfan.

“In fact, in Kerala only Kasargod was mainly affected, but here in our state victims are from many regions like Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady,” he said and added that according to reliable surveys there are about 6,000 people affected in Karnataka alone and who fear its aftermath for another two or three generations. Urging a nationwide ban on endosulfan, Katipalla said that a ban in merely two states viz Kerala and Karnataka will not fulfill the demand.

He also insisted that the state government extend free treatment and immediate compensation for the victims, likewise in Kerala. He strongly condemned the Prime Minister’s inaction and said that he is acting as a middleman of multi-national companies.

Effigy of an ‘endosulfan’ bottle was burnt by the protesters. Low attendance fizzled out the impact of the protest organized for a genuine cause.