Archbishop Pamplany seeks Bill's withdrawal

THE Kerala Forest Amendment Bill -- notified by the government on November 1 -- has triggered an outrage among farmers, who allege that the bill giving unbridled power to forest officers will add to the misery of people living on forest fringes.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kannur

THE Kerala Forest Amendment Bill, notified by the government on November 1, has triggered an outrage among farmers, who allege that the bill giving unbridled power to forest officers will add to the misery of people living on forest fringes.

The Kerala Independent Farmers' Association (KIFA) will launch a statewide protest on Friday demanding withdrawal of the bill, while the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) issued a statement expressing concern over the provisions giving unlimited powers to forest officers.

Besides proposing a fivefold hike on fines imposed for forest offences, the bill gives power to the forest beat officer to search a house and arrest a person without a warrant. Also, a forest section officer can arrest a person who obstructs him or his subordinates in the discharge of duties. The bill also proposes action against fishing in rivers flowing near the forest and against garbage dumping in such areas.