CITU Against Riyas: CITU takes to the streets against Riyas' plan for Food Street

Kozhikode, First Published Jan 4, 2022, 4:42 PM IST

Kozhikode: CITU protests against Tourism Minister Mohammad Riyaz’s announcement to open a food street in Valiyangadi, Kozhikode. The protest march came after initial discussions on the project began. At the same time, the minister’s response was that the plan would not be imposed and that Food Street had the support of the people.

Last month, Tourism Minister PA Mohammad Riyaz announced the launch of the late-night Food Street in Valiyangadi, Kozhikode, which is more than a century old. The move was to start the project within months in collaboration with the Kozhikode Corporation. The CITU-led workers’ protest began after discussions on the issue began yesterday.

Hundreds of workers took part in the protest march from near the Kozhikode railway overbridge to Valiyangadi. The workers are of the view that the project, which will cost them their jobs and the pride of Valiyangadi, will not be allowed to be implemented for any reason.

The traders had also expressed their opposition to the project at a meeting chaired by the district collector yesterday. At the same time, Minister Riyaz said that no project affecting the workers and traders would be implemented and if not, another place would be considered.

Trade unions have been protesting strongly in the early stages of Food Street, which the minister has presented as a flagship project. The minister said further talks would be held but traders were sure to come out in protest soon. It remains to be seen how the government will overcome these objections.