CPI seeks rehabilitation package for P&T apartment residents

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded the immediate announcement of a rehabilitation package for the residents of P&T Apartment Complex at Mundamveli, who are on an indefinite stir in protest against their alleged deplorable living conditions.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) alliance partner also called for a comprehensive probe to bring to book those responsible for the alleged structural deficiencies that have led to crumbling and leaking apartments. A delegation led by CPI district secretary N. Arun visited the complex on Tuesday and expressed solidarity with the residents staging the protest. He claimed that the CPI had pointed out the shortcomings at the construction stage itself.

The visit assumed significance in the wake of controversial remarks made by former Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] MLA K.J. Maxy about the affected families, forcing the CPI(M) district leadership to issue a clarification and reaffirm its solidarity with the residents. Mr. Maxy had accused the residents of benefiting from the housing project implemented by the LDF government only to make a political volte-face following the change in the State government. Though Mr. Maxy has since withdrawn the statement, the residents would settle for nothing less than an unconditional apology.

Asked about Mr. Maxy’s comment, Mr. Arun said that the CPI(M) itself had rejected it and that an individual’s opinion need not be taken seriously. He, however, described the comment as “inappropriate”.

“Prima facie, it is clear that the residents are living in highly deplorable conditions. A rehabilitation package with better terms should be announced immediately,” said Mr. Arun.

The residents should be relocated without delay. A probe should be announced to identify those responsible and ensure that they are punished. Fines should be imposed on the guilty and the amount distributed among the affected families. The shortcomings in the construction are evident even to children. The CPI will stand firmly with the residents in their protests and legal battles. The issue need not be viewed through the prism of political affiliations, Mr. Arun said.

CPI State council members K.N. Sugathan and T. Reghuvaran, assistant secretary M.M. George, and executive member K.K. Santhosh Babu were part of the delegation.