Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Jun 23: People have expressed anguish for not providing a stop for the newly introduced Kocchuveli-Mangaluru junction Antyodaya train in Kasargod. Several political parties and organizations have already made preparations to protest.
Kasargod MLA N A Nellikunnu protested by stopping the train at Kasargod on Friday, June 22. MLA Nellikunnu who was returning in the train after legislative assembly session pulled the chain in the train when it reached Kasargod station making it to stop.
Nearly fifty Muslim league activists who had reached the station joined the protests causing the train to stop in the station for more than half an hour. The train continued the journey after the MLA and the protesters alighted from it. Railway police have registered a case against the MLA who pulled the train to stop the train and protesters who protested on the railway tracks. There are no stops for nearly six long distance trains in Kasargod including Rajdhani express.
A large number of passengers travel by train between Mangaluru and Kasargod. Those who are destined to distant places for medical treatment and other purposes have to inevitably go to Mangaluru or Kannur and board the train. Travellers have asked why Kasargod is neglected though there are stops in nearby districts.
Several organizations and political parties have already protested. Kasargod MP P Karunakaran has announced indefinite fast in protest from July 1.