Corporation cracks whip on migrants

KOCHI: In a harsh move the corporation evicted the migrants settled at Manappattiparambu without any notice on Wednesday.Though the High Court had earlier directed the corporation to evict the migrants after  providing alternative shelter, neither the corporation nor the district administration has taken any steps in this regard. The eviction was done when the majority of the settlers had gone out for work.The corporation has done nothing to rehabilitate the settlers, said social activist Murugan. There were allegations that the migrants settled at Manappattiparambu were involved in anti-social activities. Following this, the corporation authorities had conducted a similar eviction drive last year with the help of the police. But those who were evicted returned to the place within a few weeks, Murugan said.The migrants told City Express that they were not permanent settlers at Manappattiparambu. They had come here to sell drums. The migrants said they had no other place to go and they would return to the place and erect tents in the night. They also complained that they were evicted without prior notice. Since the eviction drive was conducted in the morning when most of the men were away at work sites, they lost their dresses and utensils kept at their dwelling places. Mayor Tony Chammany said the migrants were evicted as they had encroached upon public property. “The corporation had no responsibility on their rehabilitation,” he said. “The problem with the migrants is that they are rich people. They live in a lavish way and have landed  property in their native places. The corporation has nothing to do with their rehabilitation. The District Medical Officer had warned that there was high chance that the place may become the epicentre of epidemic. We have to address the health issue,” Chammany said. When asked about the court order, he said quick action was taken as it was a health issue. We will not allow such settlements to thrive in the city. “Unlike in the past, the corporation would not allow anyone to erect tents on public property in the future and strict vigil would be taken with the help of the police,” he said.