Indian police barricade Adani port project after 80 injured in violent clashes
Tensions rise between Hindu groups and Christian fishermen over Vizhinjam port project
30 November 2022 - 20:42
byMunsif Vengattil and Jose Devasia
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Police officers stand guard near barricades during a protest rally by the supporters of the proposed Vizhinjam port project, in the southern state of Kerala, India, November 30 2022. Picture: MUNSIF VENGATTIL/REUTERS
Vizhinjam — Hundreds of people from a Hindu group marched on Wednesday in support of the construction of a $900m port in southern India, shouting slogans against a local Catholic church that is trying to stall the project.
More than 80 people were injured in clashes at the weekend over the construction project. The Catholic group led by priests blames the project for coast erosion that has hit locals’ livelihoods, reports said.
Police in riot gear set up barricades and blocked the supporters before they reached the entrance of the port where construction by the Adani Group has been halted for almost four months because of objections from a mostly Christian fishing community.
They say the port, in Vizhinjam, is causing erosion that has undermined their livelihoods. Billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate and the government of Kerala state have denied accusations the port is causing environmental damage.
Supporters of the port, including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, say it will create jobs in the region. They have set up makeshift camps across the road leading to the site. The Christian protesters too have built a large protest shelter blocking the entrance.
“This port, which takes India far ahead on the global stage, cannot be sacrificed,” KP Sasikala, the group’s convener, told the gathering, brandishing saffron flags in front of the barricades.
“We can’t risk having a situation where people shy away from investing in the state of Kerala,” she added.
Local police said they had not given permission for the action by the Hindu group. Police have mostly been unwilling to take more forceful action against either side, fearful that doing so will set off social and religious tensions.
A spokesperson for the Adani group did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
The port is of strategic importance to both India and Adani, Asia’s wealthiest man. Once completed, it will become India’s first container transshipment hub, rivalling Dubai, Singapore and Sri Lanka for business on the lucrative east-west trade routes.
The protest against the port has continued despite repeated orders by Kerala’s top court to allow construction to restart.
The first phase of construction was due to be completed by the end of 2024. The Adani Group has said in court filings that the protests have caused “immense loss” and “considerable delay”.
Adani has also faced protests in Australia, where environmental activists launched a “stop Adani” movement to protest against his Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland state.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Indian police barricade Adani port project after 80 injured in violent clashes
Tensions rise between Hindu groups and Christian fishermen over Vizhinjam port project
Vizhinjam — Hundreds of people from a Hindu group marched on Wednesday in support of the construction of a $900m port in southern India, shouting slogans against a local Catholic church that is trying to stall the project.
More than 80 people were injured in clashes at the weekend over the construction project. The Catholic group led by priests blames the project for coast erosion that has hit locals’ livelihoods, reports said.
Police in riot gear set up barricades and blocked the supporters before they reached the entrance of the port where construction by the Adani Group has been halted for almost four months because of objections from a mostly Christian fishing community.
They say the port, in Vizhinjam, is causing erosion that has undermined their livelihoods. Billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate and the government of Kerala state have denied accusations the port is causing environmental damage.
Supporters of the port, including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, say it will create jobs in the region. They have set up makeshift camps across the road leading to the site. The Christian protesters too have built a large protest shelter blocking the entrance.
“This port, which takes India far ahead on the global stage, cannot be sacrificed,” KP Sasikala, the group’s convener, told the gathering, brandishing saffron flags in front of the barricades.
“We can’t risk having a situation where people shy away from investing in the state of Kerala,” she added.
Local police said they had not given permission for the action by the Hindu group. Police have mostly been unwilling to take more forceful action against either side, fearful that doing so will set off social and religious tensions.
A spokesperson for the Adani group did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
The port is of strategic importance to both India and Adani, Asia’s wealthiest man. Once completed, it will become India’s first container transshipment hub, rivalling Dubai, Singapore and Sri Lanka for business on the lucrative east-west trade routes.
The protest against the port has continued despite repeated orders by Kerala’s top court to allow construction to restart.
The first phase of construction was due to be completed by the end of 2024. The Adani Group has said in court filings that the protests have caused “immense loss” and “considerable delay”.
Adani has also faced protests in Australia, where environmental activists launched a “stop Adani” movement to protest against his Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland state.
Reuters
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