Kasargod/New Delhi: Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan has approached the Supreme Court to direct the Karnataka government to open the state’s borders to Kerala to allow the movement of emergency vehicles.
On Monday, the Congress MP filed a plea with the Apex Court, seeking directions to Karnataka to open its borders with the neighbouring state, specifically the Kasargod-Mangaluru border at Talapady.
The MP sought directions to allow the movement of ambulances, emergency vehicles, trucks and other vehicles carrying essential and non-essential items to Kerala. In his plea, MP Unnithan also sought a stay on the blockade imposed by Karnataka with its border states.
Citing two deaths as a result of police officials’ actions, the MP sought an FIR and the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) under the supervision of this court to enquire against the concerned authorities.
In his plea, the MP also claimed that Karnataka’s blockade was a violation of Articles 21 and 19(d) of the Constitution.
“This blockade has also resulted in cutting off the essential lifeline of National Highways and State Highways and major District Roads leading to the State of Kerala which has resulted in the shortage of supply of essential and non-essential items to the State of Kerala leading to shortage supply of food and medical supplies,” the plea.
“This ill-planned and dangerous blockade has claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman who was denied entry into Karnataka even for the purpose of urgent medical treatment which was only available in the medical hub of Mangalore. This is a clear case of violation of the right to life with dignity by the state as citizens are made to die on the roads because of the action of the state which is in total disregard to Article 21,” the plea added.
(With inputs from ANI)
