MM Mani threatens Forest officials over eviction drive, tells VD Satheesan not to 'intimidate’

Kanjikuzhy: CPM leader MM Mani sparked controversy after issuing a warning and using abusive language against Forest Department officials while inaugurating a march to the CPM Nagarampara office.

Mani was speaking against the Forest Department's alleged eviction drives in the Kanjikuzhy region. He said his party knew how to deal with officials who behaved disrespectfully and warned that such officials would not be able to "walk the streets" if they continued their actions. "I don't have to explain how we deal with officials who show disrespect. They should remember that they have wife and children at home. We don't enter public life after saying we'll definitely return home," Mani said.

He also rejected claims that the areas where people now live and cultivate were forests 150 years ago. According to Mani, if officials attempted to evict farmers from their farmlands or homes along riverbanks, they would face resistance. "In such situations, talking about the law won't help. Don't create such a situation," he warned.

Targeting VD Satheesan, Mani said he should remain in Thiruvananthapuram and stop trying to frighten people with "empty threats." "If we are attacked, we will hit back. I'm not saying anything beyond that because the media is present here. Don't force us into unnecessary actions. If such moves continue, we won't hesitate to mobilise people and march to the Secretariat," Mani said.