Cross-border motion restrictions by Tamil Nadu a trigger for concern for Keralites

Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Restrictions imposed by the Tamil Nadu police on interstate journey in view of the spike in Covid circumstances are inflicting hardship to these dwelling within the border areas.Even as three byroads out of 10 on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border within the district have been opened by the Tamil Nadu police, following the Kerala authorities’s intervention, folks residing close to the border space nonetheless on the receiving finish as they might not transfer freely to purchase groceries and greens. On Sunday, the Tamil Nadu police eliminated barricades at three places- Panachamoodu, Cheriyakolla and Koonambana, situated at Vellarada aspect. However, seven byroads are nonetheless remaining closed.

Local residents principally rely upon Kaliyikkavilai market and Marthandam in Tamil Nadu for his or her each day purchases. Though the primary border at Kaliyikkavilai is open, strict screening measures inflicting hassle for passengers, native residents and autorickshaw drivers.The Tamil Nadu police determined to open three roads following the order of Kanyakumari District Collector. On Saturday, Kerala Chief Secretary V P Joy talked to his counterpart in Tamil Nadu looking for instant intervention to make sure free motion for passengers to cross the borders within the district. 

However, residents and merchants aren’t completely happy as solely three byroads are open. The Tamil Nadu police closed the borders unexpectedly late on Friday.  Besides, the Tamil Nadu police are additionally inspecting passengers and insisting them to hold e-pass and Covid-19 detrimental certificates.“The opening of these three byroads is insufficient since we also used to take roads near Kollemcode and Kannamamoodu among others for various purposes. This unexpected blockade has made life difficult,” stated Deen John, a social activist at Chenkavila close to the border. 

Apart from Kaliyikkavilai checkpost, Kozhivila checkpost was once a serious level for inspecting automobiles. But this checkpost can also be closed with barricades inflicting problem to Vavara and Munchira residents. Meanwhile, the Kerala police haven’t but imposed any stringent restrictions on the border areas to keep away from inflicting inconvenience for passengers. 

“We are not demanding certificates and passes from passengers. Priority is given to the convenience of people and we will intensify our inspection in accordance with the government’s orders. Many people are indeed facing hardships to cross the borders, especially because the Tamil Nadu police closed small roads. At the main road at Kaliyikkavilai, passengers are allowed to travel with pass and certificates,” stated E Okay Sojimon, Parassala CI. 

The Tamil Nadu police took the motion following the directive of the Kanyakumari district collector owing to the surge in Covid-19 circumstances within the district and the remainder of Tamil Nadu. Last yr additionally, the Tamil Nadu police had taken comparable motion by blocking byroads. The roads which have been closed are from Pozhiyoor within the coastal space on the western aspect to Amboori within the highrange on the jap aspect.