ICTT evictees visit Archbishop of Verapoly

KOCHI: The evictees of the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project at Vallarpadom has visited Archbishop of Verapoly Francis Kallarackal. The coordination committee of evictees visited the Archbishop to express its gratitude for his activities that enabled the displaced people get rehabilitation facilities on time. As many as 326 families evicted for the road and rail connectivity projects for the ICTT project got the benefits of the rehabilitation package announced by the government.Coordination committee general convenor Francis Kalathunkal said that Archbishop Francis Kallarackal had taken the pains to ensure that the evictees got the Moolampilly rehabilitation package on time. He also requested the officials of Varapuzha Archdiocese to continue with their support till the package is fully implemented. Speaking on the occasion Archbishop Kallarackal said the strike by the evictees for land has been peaceful and it has been a model for public protests. Recently, the Chief Minister has announced that special legislation would be framed to ensure that the evictees of development projects get the rehabilitation facilities on time. The Chief Minister had also said that once the legislation is in force, people should give in their land only after receiving the compensation amount.