CPI(M) Calls Oct. 24 Hartal in Seven Pathanamthitta Villages Over ESA Notification

The CPI(M) has announced a hartal on October 24 across seven villages in Pathanamthitta to demand their exclusion from the Centre's draft Ecologically Sensitive Area notification. District secretary Raju Abraham stated that finalized notifications would force residents to seek environmental approvals for farming and construction. Abraham criticized the State government for failing to seek the exclusion of any Pathanamthitta villages before the September 25 objection deadline. The protest targets Chittar, Seethathode, Aruvappulam, and Thannithode in Konni taluk, along with Vadasserikkara, Perunad, and Kollamula in Ranni taluk.

Editor's note: The brief is concise and accurately reflects the specific villages, the political context, and the reasoning behind the CPI(M) hartal as reported.