Thrissur: In a dramatic protest against the recent surge in fuel prices, activists of the Communist Party of India (CPI) set a motorcycle on fire at Pariyaram junction near Chalakudy on Thursday evening. The incident took place following a procession organized by the party workers, who were incensed by the continuous rise in petrol and diesel costs.
Protest Details
According to V M Tenson, secretariat member of the Chalakudy Mandalam CPI committee, the burning of the bike was a deliberate act to highlight the hardships faced by common people due to skyrocketing fuel prices. “This form of protest was arranged to draw the attention of the powers that be about the people’s sufferings following the steep hike in oil prices. People have developed a feeling that there is no point in keeping such vehicles, as far as common people are concerned, because of the unbearable cost of fuel. So, one of our comrades suggested his bike be burnt,” Tenson explained.
Environmental Concerns Dismissed
When questioned about the potential environmental hazards of burning the motorcycle, Tenson countered by pointing out the frequency of vehicle fires in the country. “How many vehicles are catching fire every day in our country? This bike was burnt as a form of protest on an issue affecting the vast majority of the people,” he said, dismissing concerns over pollution.
Legal Status
Tenson also stated that the police have not yet filed any charges against him in connection with the incident. The protest comes amid growing public discontent over fuel prices, which have reached record highs in recent weeks.
