Handover forest control to Centre, Modi will fix issues, says Kurian

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian paying respects to Ananthu when his body was brought to his house at Vazhikkadavu on June 8, 2025.
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian described Ananthu, the school boy who fell victim to an illegal power trap set for wild boar at Vazhikkadavu, as a martyr of hill farmers.

Addressing the media after visiting Ananthu’s house on Sunday (June 8, 2025), Mr. Kurian said that the central government was willing to amend the forest laws if the State hands over control of Kerala’s forests to the Centre.

“Give us the control. The Modi government knows how to address the problems,” he said, calling upon the people to rise above their party politics to find a solution to the problems of the hill farmers.

He said the tragedy at Vazhikkadavu was the result of turning a blind eye on law violations. “Both fronts should understand this. The Centre has enacted sufficient laws to tackle human-wildlife conflicts,” he said.

Mr. Kurian alleged that the State government was not using its authority to permit hunting of threatening wild animals effectively, fearing backlash from animal lovers.

He said the Centre gives the State ₹30 crore to ₹48 crore for feeding and watering animals. Help is given for constructing trenches too, he said.

“The government should compensate the boy’s family adequately,” he added.

Taking a dig at CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan for his criticism against Bharathamba or Mother India, Mr. Kurian said that he should stand 10 feet away from any soldier when saying such a thing.