Voters Shun Polls Amid Crackdown Fears
A significant number of local activists and community leaders in Ambayathode largely refrained from participating in Thursday's elections. Many of these individuals are currently facing legal repercussions stemming from an earlier violent confrontation with authorities over a polluting poultry processing plant. Their absence from polling stations, particularly until early afternoon, was reportedly due to apprehensions about potential police apprehension.
Among those avoiding the ballot box was Babu Kudukkil, the respected chairman of the local action committee. Kudukkil, who is a candidate for Ward 11 in the Thamarassery panchayat under the Indian Union Muslim League banner, has an active lookout notice issued against him by law enforcement. This notice was reportedly activated following his formal registration as an electoral candidate.
Reports indicate that most individuals facing charges related to the Ambayathode incident reside in surrounding local administrative areas, including Kattippara, Thamarassery, Omassery, and Kodenchery. Despite these panchayats registering over 30 percent voter participation by midday, heightened police patrols in the vicinity of polling places likely compelled numerous residents implicated in the unrest to stay away, effectively remaining in concealment.
Determined Voters and Calls for Rights
Conversely, a segment of the action committee members, despite facing potential legal trouble, asserted that they successfully cast their votes earlier in the morning. These individuals claimed to have proceeded with their civic duty undeterred by the visible police presence. They also conveyed a strong intention to challenge any legal proceedings against them as a unified front.
A senior representative from the local action committee voiced concerns, stating that authorities appeared to be monitoring certain members who voted in the Kodenchery area. He warned of substantial opposition should any attempts be made to apprehend them. The leader emphasized the importance of police respecting citizens' democratic entitlements and urged against creating an intimidating atmosphere with significant deployments near election centers.
Background to the Unrest
The root of these ongoing tensions traces back to October 21, when the controversial waste processing facility was forced to close. This closure followed an outburst of violence and arson ignited by a frustrated faction within the community's action committee. The confrontation resulted in injuries to both demonstrators and law enforcement personnel, with a section of the factory sustaining fire damage and approximately fifteen vehicles being vandalized.
In the aftermath of the incident, more than 300 individuals allegedly involved in the disturbances were formally charged under serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A dedicated investigation team, overseen by Deputy Inspector General of Police Yathish Chandra, was established to examine the case further. This inquiry initially led to the arrest of over thirty individuals.
